Any Idea What This Is ? (Alternator Question)

I'm trying to identify a rogue wire connected to the back of the alternator fitted to my '83 110 V8 - see picture below.

The alternator is a Lucas A115-45 (LR Part No: PRC2677) with following numbers on it: 24028D A115-45 178312V1. It is, I think, original - but has been reconditioned at least once.

The wire in question is the single brown one connected to a spade terminal towards the top of the picture (not the one at the very top). It is not shown on the wiring diagram in the Owner's Handbook.

Only suggestion I have had so far is that it may be connected to the 'W' terminal (whatever that is ?!) - usually used for either a rev counter or automatic choke (I have neither !).

Any ideas ?

Take it off and see what happens.
If nothing happens do one of two things:
1. leave it off but tape over the end of it, or
2. put it back.

It was almost certainly a wire for a tacho unit, but you don't have one, so it doesn't do anywhere.

CharlesY

Problem solved. If you look here Lucas - TVS - Products - 12V Alternator you can see that it is the optional terminal for a warning light.

As my warning light works perfectly well using the thin wire in the 3-wire multi-connection block, I have disconnected the 'mystery' wire - with no ill affects whatsoever.

Thanks for the reply.

Raggylad said:

Problem solved. If you look here Lucas - TVS - Products - 12V Alternator you can see that it is the optional terminal for a warning light.

As my warning light works perfectly well using the thin wire in the 3-wire multi-connection block, I have disconnected the 'mystery' wire - with no ill affects whatsoever.

Thanks for the reply.

Click to expand...

Hmmm...... there is some possibility that the "spare" terminal you have taken off could go "live", so I suggest you make it electrically safe with a nice wad of leccy tape.

Already done.