Charger Indicator light

[jpwrist]

I have a 2001 28 ft Albin Gatsby edition with the Yanmar 300hp 6LP STE engine.

I have just had the alternator repaired, charger replaced (Charles replaced by an Newmar), electrical AC breaker replaced, and am working on the inverter and the switching system (switches between the inverter and shore power).

While doing this the two mechanics and I have had a disagreement regarding the indicator light charging light on the panel. One mechanic says it should be off when the engine is running properly (the Yanmar manual appears to support this) and the other mechanic and I say it should be on when the alternator is charging and/or when the engine is running. Our rational for the latter is that this light is green while all the other indicator lights are red.


Does anyone know if their light is on or off when the engine is running?

Thanks in advance.

Jos

[RicM]

I have never seen the charging light come on my dash. Often wondered why.

[Elizabeth Ann]

I don't think I even have a charge light

[mhanna]

I believe the light should be on when the key is turned on and go off when the engine is running.
When putting the key in the on position current runs through the alternator and grounds thats why the light comes on. When started the alternator puts out voltage and therefore no current runs through the light.

The alt-light is effectively connected *between* battery (+) and alternator output, so it indicates when either side is low, though not both(!). Hence it's on when the ignition is on but before the engine is started and also if the engine is running but the battery getting low or the alternator isn't producing output. It actually performs an important job in providing the initial excitation current to the alternator's field windings.

Matt

[jpwrist]

Matt,

Thanks for the info. I called Mac Boring before you responded and they confirmed that the alternator light should be off during normal engine operation. It seems that Albin gave this light a green color, while all the other indicator lights are red.

Jos

[GettinBy]

Hey guys, new here first post but i just replaced one battery and charged the other one boat starts and runs great, but the charging indicator light wont go off. Any thoughts on what's causing it to stay on?

Thanks,

[catalina_mike]

It is controlled from the Alternator. Here is a wiring diagram to help trouble shoot. This was very helpful when I did my new control panel.

[GettinBy]

If everything is hooked up properly and the indicator light stay on does that mean the alternator isnt working?

[catalina_mike]

The voltage regulator sences the output and turns the light off or on. Use a DC volt meter at the altranator outpot terminal (big wire ran to starter) and see if it goes up from a resting voltage. If it does the alt is working.

[GettinBy]

Thanks Catalina_Mike I'll test it out today.

[catalina_mike]

Turn your charger off and check resting voltage. Forgot to mention that step.