Voltage regulator wiring

[khall]

I am adding a dash mounted alternator warning light to my regulator circuit using the standard Ford type 4 post regulator. I initially assumed that the "I" post on the regulator produced 12v when the alt was not running (dropping to 0v when charging) which would power the light. This does not appear to be the case. After looking at wiring diagrams from Bob Putnam's ERA web site I am now thinking that the "I" post acts to interrupt the warning light circuit (acting as a groung for the light) opening the circuit when the alt is charging. Could someone confirm this before I attempt to put 12v at the "I" terminal? I would hate to fry the regulator internals testing this hypothesis.

[trularin]

Okay, you can, if you wish, test your wiring to the Ford regulator by placing a 12 V, 85 mA bulb in series with the I terminal wire.

You sort of have a difference of potentials that will make the lamp glow if the alternator output is not enough to change the battery.

I have a schematic of a 65 or 66 T'Bird in the gallery that will show you how to connect things up.

Hope this helps.

If you put the lamp in series with the I terminal, you will not fry the regulator ( provided it is wired correctly in the first place ).