Hi, Im in the process of testing the wiring on my mk1 escort before I rewrap the loom with new tape. My coil, starter and dizzy are not wired up yet and I havnt had the engine running yet, Im no expert when it comes to wiring so please excuse me if im being silly. I turned the ignition key 2day and put the red lead from my voltmeter on the coil feed wire (the wire which comes from the round bulkhead connector and goes to the coil (this wire also has a bit which goes off to the starter)), I them put the black wire from my voltmeter to the battery negative. there was no reading on the voltmeter. Is this wrong OR do all the starter, dizzy and coil wires have to be connected before power runs through them?????? hope this makes sense. PLease help.

 

Im an idiot, the black wire behind the dash wasnt connected to the white 'loop' wire that goes through the back of the rev counter. I now hav power to the coil and power to the starter when the key is in the start position. Now I dont seem to have an red ignition light on the dash, the bulb is fine and iv even tested the bulb socket (red voltmeter pin on bulb socket and black pin on body) and there is power. SHOULD THE RED LIGHT COME ON WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO POSITION I and II ???????????

 

Position 2, it probably means you have no connected the circuit properly (again ) do you have a blue wire at the back of your alternator?

Martin