Charging light

[azopelnut]

On my 1971 Ascona why does my red charging light (8 oclock position) illuminate when I step on the brake pedal as opposed to the brake warning light (3 oclock position)? I have solid braking.

[namba209]

Paul, it could be a couple of things. First off, the wires to the lites could have been switched and you have the differential pressure switch in the MC giving you the lite, indicating a brake problem. Or you have a low battery and when you step on the brakes the brake lites come on and put a draw on the battery and the low engine speed is such the alternator can't keep up with the current draw. Try having the car in neutral, step on the brakes, and rev the engine to about 1800 RPM and see if the lite goes out.

[jlthunder]

As suggested, you may have a wire reversed. Unhook the wire at the master cylinder and step on the brake. If the light doesn't come on, then your wires are reveresed and you have a brake distribution problem. If it does come on, then you have an electrical issue.

OR

If you ground out(touch the wire to a ground source) the wire on the master cylinder, you should get a brake light on the dash. This will also let you know if your wires are reversed. HTH

Jeff

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by azopelnut On my 1971 Ascona why does my red charging light (8 oclock position) illuminate when I step on the brake pedal as opposed to the brake warning light (3 oclock position)? I have solid braking.

Check your fuses. There's one fuse in particular (can't recall which one) that causes a backfeed problem when you apply the brakes. If the fuse is blown, then the light goes on. It will also cause the tach to waver when you hit the brakes.

[azopelnut]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Check your fuses. There's one fuse in particular (can't recall which one) that causes a backfeed problem when you apply the brakes. If the fuse is blown, then the light goes on. It will also cause the tach to waver when you hit the brakes.

BOB WAS RIGHT!

(as if I had any doubt)
Thanks Bob