Charge warning light

Sounds like the Diode pack is on its way out, I suspect the next thing would be the light staying on very dim, have the alternator checked There again it could be the belt loose,,,, Fitzy

Mine started doing that once in a while, the alternator output was fine, then I started getting starting problems, then charging problems. After asking on here I was told to bolt in an extra earth strap to the engine and all was well.

HTH Jim

Thanks guys,

But what and where is a 'diode pack'? I didn't think such technology was fitted to my Mini. The fan belt is tight and the alternator appears fine i.e. lights up my halogen headlamps with no problem and had new bushes fitted only a few thousand miles ago. Car starts without a problem and I've cleaned all around the existing earthstrap but I may look into fitting another. More specifically, when the engine is cold the warning lights come on normally but after the engine has been running and I turn the ignition off then on again the light takes a few seconds to come on whereas before it used to be instant.

Further suggestions appreciated.

Built in to the back of the alternator, The alt could still be charging and covering the load, but it does sound like a diode problem, also as Jim quite rightly pointed out, the earth strap, this is another potential problem, worth fitting a secondary earth, Fitzy

I hate to say it but you've got the light's the wrong way round mate! The orange light is an oil pressure warning light and comes on when engine oil pressure drops below 7lbs/sq". The red is the alternator warning light and lets you know when more current is leaving the battery than entering it (in a round a bout way)!

To test this theory on your car pull the lead off from the oil pressure sensor on the block (with ignition on - but disconnect +ve on coil for safety!) then earth it to the block using a short wire. The orange light should illuminate! If it doesn't then the prob is with the bulb in the dash. If it does then the prob is with the switch. Replace it but be wary! These are on tapered threads and you can crack the block around them if you overtighten!!!

hth

Chris

Thanks for your advice. Looks like I've got my wires crossed. I suppose that the delay in illumination could be caused by over-filling of engine oil then?

The delay you mentioned, is normal, when you run the engine, the oil pressure comes up and turns the light out, if you switch off and then back on , the oil pressure is maintained for a few seconds,, the light comes on again after oil pressure has depleted, Fitzy