I need a little help. My generator dash light is always on while the car is running. I have checked the alt output at the alt, checked the voltage at the battery and even removed the alt and had it checked at a alt repair service. All is in order. I have checked through the wiring diagrams and like most people, have trouble following them. Is there something I'm missing? Also the key in ignition warning buzzer comes on for no reason when the key is out, usually when the car is stored in the garage. I can hear it when entering the garage and have to start the car and let it run for a bit, shut it off and it will be okay for awhile. I'm a excellent mechanic, but am clueless on electronics. Any and all help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim, 78SEVette Lifer

[QUOTE=78SEvette]Life is good, Vettes are better. Life in a vette is heaven

I need a little help. My generator dash light is always on while the car is running. I have checked the alt output at the alt, checked the voltage at the battery and even removed the alt and had it checked at a alt repair service. All is in order. I have checked through the wiring diagrams and like most people, have trouble following them. Is there something I'm missing? Also the key in ignition warning buzzer comes on for no reason when the key is out, usually when the car is stored in the garage. I can hear it when entering the garage and have to start the car and let it run for a bit, shut it off and it will be okay for awhile. I'm a excellent mechanic, but am clueless on electronics. Any and all help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim, 78SEVette Lifer

[/QUOTE]

Turn on the key and see if the light comes on with the engine off.  If so, good.  If not check the gage fuse.  You could have lost the power supply to the light.

If the light did come on, disconnect the two wire connector that attaches to the alternator, the plug in connector.  Start the car.  It won't charge like this, but its part of the test.

If the light was out with the plug out, the light minder diode or also known as the diode trio inside the alternator is failed.  It's not really that difficult to repair.  If you go back several months you can find a detailed post of mine describing how to replace the part.

Let me know what you find.

Ken

 

        Thanks for the input. I will be running these tests as soon as time permits and will keep you informed as to results.  Thanks again. 

   Any guess on the key in warning buzzer on with out the key being in? That one is troubling also. Thanks

Jim

78SEvette

The warning buzzer operates when it's grounded.  So there is a ground contact somewhere there should not be.  It may be the contacts by the lock cylinder in the column, or somewhere else.   Time for the wiring diagram.  Find the wire at the base of the column and disconnect it.  If the  buzzer still sound, its shorted under the dash, if it stops, it's in the column.

Yes, Ken gave excellent advice to me months, if not a year, back when my gen light was doing the same thing.  The local alternator shop wanted me to rebuild or buy a new one.  Ken's solution cost me $6.00 and a couple hours of my time (just because I'm not a wrench head like some of you on this forum).

You can also get the same advice Ken gave from another site...www.corvettefaq.com, if you can't find the thread here in the archives.  I used both while I was tearing mine apart and putting it back together.

Good luck and keep us informed.