86 volvo 240 dl wagon - alternator?

I checked the bulb and it was dead, so I replaced it, but it does not
illuminate when key is in run before turning to start. - actually the
parking brake buld and brakefailure buld do not light either.
I wonder if the instrument panel is defective?
I saw a mail connector with notithing connected to it on the back of the
panel - is that normal?
john

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Shannon" <>
Newsgroups: alt.autos.volvo
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 9:56 AM
Subject: Re: 86 volvo 240 dl wagon

 

would it take much to wire in a real ameter in th espare knock on the dash?
I assume I would break the lead from the alt to the battery and put the alt
in between with heavy wire?
regards,
john

 

John, at this time you do not need an ammeter, because your alternator is
not charging, just by measuring Voltage across the battery you should be
able to know if your alternator is working (14V) or not.

As far as the Ammeter, there are several ways to go about it. Fluke has an
inductive clamp (hall effect based) that allows you to measure DC current
without breaking the wire. If you want a gauge in your car, you do not
place it in series with the alternator wire, because that way you will only
measure current out of the alternator, not necessarily into the battery.

The right place for the ammeter would be right at he battery post, leave
the heavy wire to the starter motor and connect your meter in series with
the battery + and the other red wires, that way you can see either positive
current ( alternator supplying all the electrical load and battery charging)
or negative current (battery supplying the electrical load and discharging).
You could consider a remote shunt and an electrical meter inside the car.

by the way, did you try the lightbulb to the alternator trick I suggested at
least 3 times?

Arnold

 

I'll try the bulb when I get back from vacation.
I work 2 jobs and have 2 kids to take care of.
I am not intentionally ignoring your suggestion, but I get home from work at
1am, it leaves little time for testing circuits.
regards,
john