Some diode faults cause an increase in noise and heat as well as low output
and a warning light glow, particularly if it increases with increasing
electrical load. However bad connections between the alt and the solenoid
or the solenoid and the white at the ignition switch can cause a similar
glow with a good alternator. Also a simple voltage check on the car may not
reveal a diode problem, again some of them only cause a low *maximum* output
but still result in 14.something volts at lower outputs. But the first
check should be voltage - at the browns on the alternator spades, solenoid
stud, and white at the ignition switch for bad connections, and between the
brown/yellow and the alternator and the white at the ignition switch for
alternator problems. All the measurements should ideally be within a couple
of tenths of one another.
PaulH.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Betti Ann & Preston Smith" <prsmith@ns.sympatico.ca>
To: "MG List" <mgs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 3:14 PM
Subject: Alternator on way out?
> The ignition light has a faint glow. After tightening the belt it is
> still there at times (not as often) and the alternator has a high
> pitched whine.
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