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 Posted: Mar 21, 2017 03:57AM
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My mistake.  I was assuming the metal prongs on the light socket were the ground.  For some reason my light socket was dangling free when I pulled the center speedo cluster out and then the light  worked when I plugged it in.  I guess some other gremlin was at work.

I did check the white wire from the ignition switch and had power there but didn't seem to have it to the light.  Kinda weird.

But all is well now and I appreciate all the comments, as always.
Jack

 Posted: Mar 20, 2017 03:39PM
 Edited:  Mar 20, 2017 03:41PM
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US
As Mur said, the charge warning lamp socket does not have a ground connection.  Remember I mentioned power coming into the lamp via the white wire from the ignition switch.  That current flows through the warning bulb and out via the brown/yellow wire to the alternator where it gets its ground.  

I don't have access to a nice looking Mini schematic online.  Instead, see the link below to a TR Spitfire diagram.  Lucas wiring is pretty common between all British cars so the alternator section of the Spitfire schematic applies equally well to the Mini.  Look at the alternator wiring in the top, left corner.  You'll see the white wire coming from the ignition switch to the warning lamp and the brown/yellow wire leaving the lamp going to the alternator.  Notice there is no ground connection at the warning lamp or its socket.  

EDIT:  To see the schematic as a reasonable size, "right-click" over the image below and choose "Open in new tab".  You'll be able to see a much larger picture.


Doug L.
 Posted: Mar 20, 2017 12:06PM
mur
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What are you talking about?

There is no ground on the ignition light. It completes the circuit by being connected to a functioning alternator. It will work both snapped into a properly grounded speedometer housing, and hanging loose.

While your results sound like things are in place, it is important you understand what is going on.

 Posted: Mar 20, 2017 11:55AM
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I followed your suggestions and found that the ignition/no-charge light socket was not properly grounded. After addressing that problem the light worked when tested though the alternator brown/yellow wire with a ground and with the turn of the key when the alternator plug was back in place. Yea!!

While I had the whole center speedo cluster off, I also found that the right side turn indicator bulb had blown.  I thought I had one of the old style clusters that only had one bulb that flashed. LOL.

The forum has bailed me out again.

Jack

 Posted: Mar 20, 2017 03:26AM
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Thanks guys for the suggestions.  I'll try 'em out this afternoon.
Jack

 Posted: Mar 19, 2017 03:08PM
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US
Since so much is new you are likely to find a few mis-wired connections.  Armed with a multimeter, a wiring diagram, and this message board I know you'll work through all the problems.

For the charge warning light start as Minimans said by making sure the bulb works.  Once you know the light is good, trace the wiring.  The charge warning light starts with a white wire leaving the ignition switch.  The white wire should have zero volts on it when the key is off and the white wire should have battery voltage on it when the key is on.  The white wire goes to the socket for the charge warning lamp.  A second wire (small brown/yellow) leaves the warning lamp socket and goes to the small terminal on the alternator plug.

Once you know the bulb is working you can use the multimeter to make sure you have voltage at the alternator end of the brown/yellow wire with the key in the run position.  If you don't have a multimeter, you can turn the ignition switch to "run" and ground the brown/yellow wire in the alternator plug.  That should cause the warning light to turn on.

Doug L.
 Posted: Mar 19, 2017 11:27AM
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Check that you have 12v at the light socket, it comes from the Ign. switch if you ground the wire on the other side the bulb should light? if not check the wire from their to the alternator. You did check the bulb first!!

Mini's are like buses they come along in a bunch

 Posted: Mar 19, 2017 08:48AM
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I'm getting ready for the first start of the rebuilt motor in my '84 saloon and I have a question about the ignition light in my center speedometer set up.  I have a new wiring harness, new dash switches and stalk, new voltage stabilizer and bulbs in the speedo cluster, new coil, distributor and a new alternator. However when I turn the ignition switch on I don't get an ignition light.   I have working high beam bulb and left side orange when indicators flash but no red ignition light.  I tested the light by connecting up to the small (orange/brown) wire on the alternator and ground and got no ignition light.  I do have 12V at position 1/2 on the new fuse box.  Anyone have any suggestions?