Charge Indicator Light

[JAW81]

So my charge indicator light is on (thanks cruiserbrett!). I just wired in a stereo and think it came on after that. My lights decided to stop working since then too.

I plan to undo what I did to see if that corrects everything and reevaluate my wiring setup for the stereo.

But if the light is something different would it normally be telling me that the alternator wasn't charging the battery?

Bear with me, I'm a newbie....

Any input would be much appreciated!

 

[cruiserbrett]

did you inadvertantly short anything out while doing the install? Haynes manuals and FSM's have pretty accurate wiring diagrams for mid 70's FJ55s so start there. Being that there is aV8 in there, its hard to troubleshoot without knowing what wiring mods were done, and what alternator/voltage regulator are present.

if for some reason the PO left the stock voltage regulator in the wiring, but used a later internally regulated alternator(common GM ones from the mid 70's and later are typically internally regulated, it could be showing the light because its not hooked up to an alternator anymore.

 

[JAW81]

Thanks Brett. I have a Hayne's manual and will check that out. I'll also take a look at the alternator and try to figure out if it's something other than Toyota.

I'll also look into the voltage regulator, I literally know nothing about them but I'm in this to learn.... I'll post what I figure out.

Thanks again.

 

[cork426]

Mine was on when I bought it. I found a blown fuse and that took care of the problem for about 6 months. It came on again this past weekend, and extinguished itself when I went down a rough dirt road. Most likely a loose wire somewhere. On a separate note, when I use my turn signals, the hazards flash......

 

[cruiserbrett]

cork426: check your turn signal relay(not the flasher). Its mounted to the brake pedal bracket and has two connectors on it. I think it controls the circuit by opening the feeds to the both sides (L and R)lights when the turn signals are on, but tying the two together when the brake or hazards are on. strangely its not in the wiring diagrams for the FJ55 in the Haynes manual. they are present on early to about mid 75ish FJ55s.

Look here for pics.

 

[cork426]

Thanks for the info. I would have had a hard time tracing that. I will check it out tomm.