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« on: May 14, 2006, 12:17:38 AM »
I just had to replace the battery in my 69 Camaro. When I reconnected the cables I noticed that the alternator light was on even before putting the key into the ignition. When I start the engine the light goes off, but when I turn the car off the light comes back on and stays on. I have to remove the cables to protect the battery from draining. I am not very good with electrical problems. When I remove the connector with two wires from the alternator and connect the battery the light does not come on. I also notice a click from the voltage regulator every time I connect and disconnect the battery cables. Could the alternator be bad? What about the voltage regulator?
Some additional background: I have had a battery discharge problem since I purchased the car 5 years ago. I think I have isolated that problem to the door switch. Since I had the typical starter solenoid/heat problem, I switched to a mini-mag starter about a year ago. This solved the heat problem, but not the battery discharge problem, so I recently returned to the stock starter and added a heat blanket. When I installed a new battery last week, the alternator light issue popped up. I have a Pertronix ignition system and a Code Alarm system that is tied into the previously mentioned faulty door switch. The alarm also operates the door locks.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jim