308 off but "G" light stays on.

Ok this is weird.

I pulled my 1982 308 into the garage tonight and remove the key like normal but the red "g" light is still on even though the car is off and the key is in my hand.

Can anyone explain why this is happening, what might be wrong and how to fix it?

Thanks

 

Maybe God is trying to tell you something!

 

On the 348 (I'm not familiar with your 308, sorry) the ignition switch sometimes wears out and causes various circuits to remain engaged when the key is pulled out.

A bad relay can also do this, and in some cases a burned out dash bulb can permit current to flow in reverse which can make funny things happen.

If you have any burned out dash bulbs, I'd suggest replacing them with modern LEDs instead of bulbs. LEDs don't let current flow in reverse, erasing one avenue of trouble.

To see if a relay might be your problem, start pulling one relay at a time until your G light goes out. That should narrow down your problem area, anyway.

Of course, with any Ferrari it is always a good idea to coat *every* electrical contact/connection with Stabilant 22a (especially grounds).

 

The "G" light is pretty much the same as the "G" spot...very mysterious!

Sorry for being mostly sarcastic and not much help =)

The ignition switch theory sounds pretty plausible though.

 

Not sure if this is correct, but I recall the "G" light being on may be a sign of the generator or alternator going bad. You should call James Patterson at Norwood Performance 972-831-8111. He will know what it is.

Good Luck
James Gardner

 

The diodes in the alternator are bad, or the wire from the "g" light to the alternator has worn through and is shorting out to the large B+ output wire at the alternator.

Brian Brown
Patrick Ottis Co.

 

if the light stays on while the ignition is turned off, but goes out with ignition turned on ( engine not running ) , it is indeed the + - Diodes in the alternator.
This will slowly discharge the battery via the alternator. Disconnect the battery.

Best Regards

Martin

 

Yep, diodes, or also known as the rectifier pack.

Easily repaired by any good auto electrician, or even a DIY job if you have the time/skills/equipment.

 

Thanks guys. I will pull the alternator and have it repaired.

 

I wish you luck as pulling the alternator is a royal pain. Be sure to set aside lots of time.

 

I got it off no problem (thanks to the search feature here - it helped a lot). So now I am having it repaired and will put it back on later this week. I now own a 17mm wrench that I had to cut in half to get the alt. bracket off, it was much easier that way than removing the oil dipstick tube.

Thanks again to F-chat!