An ignition warning light must stop illuminating when your engine starts. If it doesn’t, then this signals an electrical issue. However, what must one do if their car’s ignition warning light starts giving a false alarm or if it stops working completely? Different issues will require you to approach them differently. For instance, if it’s a problematic regulator, you need to perform a regulator check and look for rust or dampness.
Thus, to help you navigate through several similar issues, we have designed an elaborate guide for you to learn how to troubleshoot the ignition warning light.
What is an ignition warning light?
The “no charge” or “ignition warning light” is the most pivotal dashboard light. An ignition warning light will show you when the generator cannot match the battery’s voltage. With a running car engine, this will help you understand whether your car’s alternator/ generator is functioning properly or not. In addition, it will also help you decipher when the car’s battery voltage is inadequate to work up the alternator/ generator.
How to troubleshoot the ignition warning light
Let us now discuss the various circumstances under which an ignition warning light can stop working. In addition, we will also shed light on how to troubleshoot the ignition warning light for such cases.
Typical circuit of a warning light
The first step in learning how to troubleshoot the ignition warning light is to understand the structure of a typical warning light circuit. In this circuit, a terminal is placed at the alternator’s end. The terminal connects to the warning light using a wire. This wire then runs all across the bulkhead in the dashboard, where it connects to the warning light. From this point, it goes to the starter switch.
How to detect a faulty warning light
There are three very common problems to occur with warning lights. The first is that the warning light doesn’t light up when we switch the ignition on. This issue is fairly easy to fix. The second problem is that light will behave abnormally at high revs. Lastly, the warning sign will not go out at high engine speed.
The warning light doesn’t illuminate
If the warning light doesn’t go out when we turn the ignition on, it’s mostly because of two possible reasons. The first reason is that the light has outlived his life and has now blown. The second reason could be due to an issue in the light’s charging circuit.
Checking the warning light wire
Firstly, find where the warning light’s wire and the light’s charging system connect. Cars with dynamos have a remote voltage regulator that connects to the warning light wire. In this case, search for the terminal with either IND or WL marked, and you’ll find the wire.
Now, let’s come to cars with alternators. If an internal regulator is used to fit the alternator, then the wire you’re looking for has been marked with either IND or WL, and it connects with a terminal on the unit’s backside. However, in the case of an external regulator, the terminal will have a similar marking, but the wire will be connected the way it is in cars with dynamo.
Checking the warning bulb
Firstly, touch the warning light wire after removing it. Now, switch on the ignition and notice the warning light. If it lights up, then that could mean a charging fault. If it doesn’t, it could mean a fault in the wiring or a blown bulb.
The warning light is connected to another separate voltage regulator for cars with dynamos. However, the wire is connected to either an external regulator, internal regulator or a relay for cars with alternators.
Checking the warning light circuit
Firstly, disconnect the wire and clean the terminal connections. If you notice rust or corrosion on the terminal, use wet or dry paper to clean it up. Then, reconnect the warning light wire and perform a light test again.
If the light doesn’t light up, disconnect the wire once more and earth the wire to an engine block or bodywork with the ignition switched on.
If the warning light illuminates after this, it hints toward a faulty voltage regulator or generator. However, if it still doesn’t light up, the fault lies either in the wiring or the bulb.
When the warning light doesn’t illuminate when you rev the engine
You either have a faulty generator or a faulty wiring circuit if the warning light doesn’t light up on revving the engine. Simply perform a check to figure out where the fault lies. Firstly, turn the engine and the maximum number of electrical components on. Then, observe the headlight while you rev the engine. If the headlights brighten a lot, then it means that the charging system is functional, but the warning light circuit is problematic.
One of the reasons for a malfunctioning warning light wire is that it is already earthed somewhere else. Now, look for traces of chafing on the bodywork. Use insulating tape or replace the entire section depending on the intensity of wire section damage.
Performing regulator checks
A faulty voltage regulator unit can also me the warning does not work properly. Look for cracks in the regulator plastic as it can let moisture seep inside. In addition, check for rust and corrosion or dampness where the regulator contacts the body.
How to fit a new wire?
Lastly, fitting a new wire is also an integral part of knowing how to troubleshoot the ignition warning light. Start by disconnecting wires from terminals. Now, strip the new wire’s insulation back and connect the ends to connector terminals. Finally, apply solder to the connectors.
Now, wait for the solder to cool down. Once it has cooled, fit the wire and the loom back while applying tape at regular intervals. Lastly, ensure it doesn’t come in contact with any moving or hot parts.
Conclusion
Sure, learning how to check various car instruments such as spark plugs and suspension parts. However, none of them can even come close to knowing how to troubleshoot the ignition warning light and the crucial role it plays. This is because having a functional car generator will help improve your car’s overall performance and thus make your car run faster. So, put your car technician hat on and get on it today!
