GEN light always illuminated during idle
15

Asked by Imatinkerer Jan 04, 2019 at 10:15 AM about the 1977 Chevrolet El Camino Base

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

the generator light is constantly lit when the car is idling.  when the engine
revs, it dims.
The battery is new and the alternator tests fine (14+ volts)
I've cleaned the contacts where the instrument cluster plugs into the dash
but not effect (positive or negative) on the GEN light.
any suggestions??

1 Answer
15

Imatinkerer answered 5 years ago

learned that it was a bad diode (one of three) in the alternator. choice of either A) replacing the diode trio (which involved pulling the alternator AND THEN dismantling it) or, B) simply replace the alternator. Chose option B - a $58 rebuilt alternator from Amazon. PROBLEM SOLVED.

Mark helpful

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