Why is battery light on all the time?

Posted by JimGnitecki On 2008/6/24 22:01:04

My buddy and I are trying to track down a number of electrical gremlins plaguing my '52 Packard 200 Deluxe.

One of the issues we are addressing is that the battery light on the instrument panel lights up whenever the key is turned on of course, but then STAYS on even when the engine is running. True, it is not on very "bright" - merely a modest glow, but it should be going OFF, especially once the engine is revved.

My buddy, who is a skilled mechanic of 35 years experience tells me that he HAS checked the generator output, and it IS charging. He theorizes that the regulator settings might have drifted enough to be causing the problem. True?

As many of you know, these cars came from the factory with EITHER an Autlite or Delco electrical infrastructure. Mine has the Delco parts. The 3-part regulator contains a circuit breaker, a voltage regulator, and a current regulator. The voltage and current regualtors are contatc type and are adjustable, and the manual in fact gives the procedures for properly adjusting them.

My buddy will get the required equipment to do so (he no longer HAS that equipment laying around!). But, before we do that, is he on the right track in thinking that this may be the cause of the always glowing battery light?

Yes, the battery light does get BRIGHTER when the lights are turned on (confirming a higher rate of discharge), and does fade in intensity when the engine is revved, but never goes "out" entirely.

Anyone?

Jim G