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Reply to "I'm still in the Club, but no longer driving German.."

I'm with Lane, black dial, white indicators. 2nd choice would be magnolia.

In order for an alternator charge, you need to see a draw through the "charge indicator" or "idiot light" wire. If the light burned out(and they do occasionally) the alternator will NEVER charge. This "charge indicator" light is also called an "exciter". The voltage regulator in the alternator needs to see 12v in order to start charging.

With the key on, check for 12v on both sides of the "charge indicator" light. You'll figure it out by tracing it out.

Before the alternator starts turning, there should be a ground or close to it on the "exciter" wire when disconnected from the car's wiring. Once turning and charging, the "exciter" wire should have 12v(or whatever the alternator is putting out) on it.

This is why the charging light goes out once charging, with 12v(or thereabouts) on both terminals of the bulb, the light can't light.

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