Hi,
1992 Rover 214 SLI - suddenly (within a few hours) developed a problem with the ignition light staying on. When starting the engine the light stays on bright but revving the engine makes it dim slightly. However it stays lit whatever.I have examined the alternator and it seems visually undamaged, the commutator tracks look clean and I have fitted a new voltage regulartor/brush assembly from Lucas. This had no effect whatsoever.
The battery voltage was a steady 12 volts dipping to 11 under load with the engine idling. No difference in voltage with the engine running or not. Repeated running of the engine to try to find the problem has gradually flattened the battery, now it just clicks when you try to start it so I have put it on an overnight charge.
Looks to me like the altenator is doing something but not enough, and I am beginning to suspect it is shot, but before I splash out could it be anything else ? For example in addition to the multiplug there is a single wire on the end of the alternator which goes through an electrical component of some sort to earth - some kind of suppressor maybe ? Also is there any chance it could be a fault elsewhere in the wiring ? I would hate to buy an alternator and still have the problem.
Thanks
Marvin