Removing the battery cable from the battery while the engine is running is not a valid test and will likely damage the alternator
Did you check the gauge fuse in the fuse box? The way a gen lite operates is it has to have battery voltage on both sides of the bulb so current can't flow through the bulb. If you lose voltage on one side, current flows through the bulb, turning it on. I'm not familiar with the external regulated alternators, but on the internal regulated alternator, one wire comes from the ignition switch and the other one comes from regulator inside the alternator. Unplug all wires from the alternator and use an ohm meter between the positive battery terminal and the case. Then swap your leads meter around. You should only have continuity in one direction. If you have it in both directions, you have a faulty diode.
Strange, the gen light on my wagon has been on for years. While the battery dies from sitting too long. I have had no problems with it running. Checked the batt, starter, Alt at work several times and everything tests good. Tim
I agree with this explanation - the indicator bulb needs to see equal voltage on both sides of it so that there is no current flow. Any imbalance will allow current to flow and illuminate the light. Finding the source of the imbalance is the trick.
Well......... Last Sunday when I drove car around the block and came home the new voltage regulator was smoking...... Took it back for exchange.....well the bad thing was when I bought the regulator I had the youngest pull both the good one and the cheap one.....while I had both out of the box I did the ol switch a roo...got the good one at 30 bucks instead of 60... So when I went to exchange it Thursday of course I got a new 30 dollar unit oh well..... installed it and of course the light is now off crazy SH.. Let's see if it lasts... Now to work on other things.. Once again thank you guys for all your input on this subject. Everyone have a great weekend
