[svxcess]

After looking over the electrical service manual, as well as having discussions with Maniac Electric Motors and an accredited electrical engineer, here are my thoughts on this.


15.5V can be accepted as within normal commercial tolerances, as the electrical manual allows 16V. There should be no reason why 15.5V DC should cause the trouble lights in question to illuminate.

The pilot voltage sensing wire referred to connects directly at the distribution box and is shown as "S" (sensing circuit) in the wiring diagram. It does not physically run to the ignition switch. The diagram is a only a schematic, and in any event this circuit should not cause the problem.

The fault most likely involves the circuit marked "L", (the alternator fault indication circuit), which is closed if the alternator is not charging.

This circuit normally illuminates the steering, stop check, brake and charging lights when connected to ground, via a transistor. But in this instance the steering light is not illuminated because the steering has been altered, as stated in the original post..

This wiring running between the alternator and dash and its connections should be checked for a short circuit, rather than an open circuit.I would pay particular attention to the area around the alternator, where damage is most likely to occur.

Originally Posted by svxcuseme

If I use that same alternator in my daily driver SVX, the dash lights do not illuminate and I read 14.5 volts charging at the battery.

The same alternator produces 15.5 volts at the battery on the SVX with the dash lights on.

If this is the case, the alternator is working as designed in your daily driver, but not the other SVX. The only thing that changes is the wiring and electrical circuitry between the two cars.

Simple logic tells me this:

2 different cars.
Alternator works correctly in car 1
Alternator works incorrectly in car 2
Only thing common between the cars is the wiring.

Therefore, problem exists in the wiring of car 2.

I a not sure how much of a role the disconnected steering rack plug plays in all of this though. This is the only other difference.


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Originally Posted by oab_au

"15.5 volts at the battery on the SVX with the dash lights on". This says that there is trouble with the alternator sensing the battery voltage,. that is too high at 15.5V.
There is a separate wire that tells the alt what the battery voltage is. I would think this wire is open. it runs from the Ignition switch to the plug on the side of the alt.

Read this bit on the alt from the WSM.


Harvey.