hi there guys, my alternator isn't charging, the circuit isn't complete... the light doesn't come on at igntion prior to starting... its a new alternator, the small blue wire is connected to the W terminal and the main red wire i've tried connecting it to both the B and D terminal but to no avail... its doing my nut as it means i can't drive the car and am stuff wit the van... its a 94 1.8 16v... (1993 build) running a 12v 70amp alternator same style as the diesel. any help much appreciated

i accidentally posted this in the other cars forum although i guess no-one will answer it in there

 

Have you checked the bulb, if it has blown. no charge

 

yeah defo check the bulb, the alternator cant begin charging without the load from the bulb.

Bet you a jam tart it is

 

i'll check that...
that would make sense although i doubt it

 

duno you would be surprised, ive never changed one of those bulbs myself as i doubt u have, but just like any other bulb....doesnt last forever.

A mate of mine years ago told me if the bulbs ever goes the alternator wouldn't charge n i was like yeah OK then mate......WHATEVER lol

how wrong i was

 

i would check the charging at the battery first with a volt meter between the positive and negative poles engine stopped (12v ish)
then check with car running (13.5 - 15 volts)
if you see an increase in voltage between engine running and engine stopped the altinator is charging and the lamp is faulty check the bulb and the wire from the dash to the fuse box
if the voltage is the same check the connection of the main red wire from the altinator to the starter and the starter to the battery