VAUXHALL VIVA GLOWING LIGHT
Q
I have a 1972 Vauxhall Viva HC which runs well and starts up without any problems. The starter will always spin into life and there are no signs that I have a problem with the battery, but I recently took the car out at night and needed to use the headlamps. Whilst driving, I could see a very faint glow from the battery warning light. I checked using a voltmeter that the alternator was charging, and this confirmed that even with the headlamps on, the battery was still charging. I am loath to replace the alternator unless absolutely necessary, as I rarely use the Viva at night (this was an exception) and I am unsure anyway if a replacement is actually needed. With exactly the same readings during daylight hours the ignition warning light cannot be seen glowing at all, so this is a very faint glow.
Ian Thomas
AFrom the sound of your description this is not a big problem, or one which you need to be too concerned about. The ignition light glowing may be due to a slight resistance in the warning light circuit. Providing you have checked that the alternator is actually charging, (which you have,) the only further checks I would make are to ensure that the battery connections and earth straps are making good contact. I would also ensure that the terminals on the alternator are clean and that the wiring loom is well placed and not pulling.
If you wished to check further, I would also ensure the dash loom connection to the printed circuit is clean and the earth has a clean connection. Finally, I would also ensure that the ignition warning light bulb has the correct wattage. If nothing untoward is found, as you have checked the charging rate and given the usage of the Viva, I would be confident that at this stage the alternator would not need replacing.