Gen Light

Anyone have any experience with the Alternater/Generator light glowing when using turn signals and/or the brakes??? I just noticed this during an evening drive--headlights were off, no other known draw on the electrical system. I have not installed Kermits' fuse panel, BTW. Thoughts???

 

Birdman's fuse panel.....Kermit is long gone.....


One some of my 308s I notice the turn signals generating a dim pulse when in use at night, usually the headlights are up though.

You have to recall this is an over/under voltage measurement, while it may indicate a failing alternator I think it is pretty much normal, if your battery stays up all is well....

 

Thanks, Tex; no offense meant to anyone on the fuse panel. Battery seems to stay charged ok; but maybe it's time to think about a rebuild on the alternator and do the fuse panel as well. I think I've been dreading that under-car operation long enough...

 

I've noticed I get some 'backlighting' of my gen light at night when the instrument lights are turned on; makes it seem like the gen light is glowing a little.

 

Before you do anything, check for good grounds.

 

Same here.With the headlights on and appyling the brakes I get a dim glow

 

I believe the GEN light on a 308 will light up for current flow in either direction. It normally goes on for current flow from the battery into the alternator circuit, but also is subject to lighting up due to small voltage differences in the opposite direction. Mine would glow softly at night even while driving on the freeway. I traced it down to resistance in the ignition switch. When the lights were on, there would be a voltage difference between the switched and unswitched sides of the circuit. I fixed mine by adding an ignition relay to drive all the switched circuits. Now my GEN light stays dark when it is supposed to.