Ignition light staying on

[rowland12]

I have a vauxhall viva and with the key out of the ignition the red ignition light stays on. When I turn the key the red light goes out and the green one comes on. Has any one got the answer I have tried checking the earth connection.

 

[^neo^]

Usually when the ignition light stays on it's a problem with the alternator

 

[rowland12]

Thanks for the reply I will check the alternator out.

 

[kilovolt]

Diodes in alternator they are available seperately but may be nearly same cost as cheap reconditioned unit

 

[Xenon]

What year? could have a dynamo on it.

 

[xerxes]

Actually, if you read the OP it says that the ignition light stays on with the key out of the ignition.

If the light stays on with the engine running, it indicates a fault in the charging system (alternator, drive belt, connections).

If the light stays on with the key removed, it suggests that the ignition switch is faulty (not turning off). This suggests that the switch may need replacing.

 

[Xenon]

With the old Dynamo setup, the points in the Lucas regulator box fuse closed, which causes the ignition light to stay on when the key is removed.

A diode gone in an alternator will make the light glow brighter when the engine is revved.

 

[rowland12]

Got a replacement alternator and have just fitted it and the light has gone out. Thanks to everyone for the help.