5 replies to this topic

[LRJM]

A friend has asked me to have a look at his 1991 SPI mini, as the ignition light doesn't come on when you turn on the ignition. The oil pressure light does work, so I'm thinking it could be the bulb, but cannot see how to remove the instruments to get at the bulb, or do you have to go in thru the back....

John

[68+86auto]

You should be able to reach behind to remove the bulb. Before doing that you could test to see if the bulb works by disconnecting the alternator plug and grounding the small terminal from the wiring.

[Ethel]

Yes, check the alternator first.

 

Brown/blue wire, if you earth it, with the ignition on, the ign warning bulb should light. If it does, the alternator could well be the problem.

 

I believe the later cars have screws through the bulkhead securing the instrument pod brackets.

[LRJM]

Thanks,  that trick worked, so the bulb is ok, so does that men that there is a problem with the diode pack in the alternator?

[Ethel]

Very likely something along those lines, but check the other terminal(s) are actually connected to battery +ve first, that's done by the battery cable terminal on the starter solenoid.

 

..alternatively with the ignition turned on remove a white wire (should be one on the left side of the fuse box) and earth it. If the ignition light comes on the alternator is goosed.

[Steam]

A new or recon alternator will fix it and give a long life and increase the oitput if you want.