For those of you who care, in my continuing saga of getting this
Nissan Alternator to work, I am almost there. I broke down and bought a
manual for the correct Nissan (i.e., if all else fails, read the
directions). It turns out that the "L" wire to the light is a two-way
wire. The wire goes to the bulb at one end, and the other end of the bulb
goes to keyed power (not just starter power) (see the diagram below).
When the ignition is switched on, and the alternator is not charging yet,
the power goes through the bulb, to the alternator and through the coils
to charge them, and then goes to ground on the other end of the coils.
When the alternator starts charging, the wire goes hot, and at the bulb it
cancels out the power from the other side and turns off the light.
Now, that all being said, there are two outstanding issues. First, I
don't know if the standard bulb can take this power feud at both ends.
Second, there is a relay being used in the circuit that I do not fully
understand. The following is the circuit diagram (or as close as I can
come):
(ALT)------T-------(LIGHT)--------T-----(KEYED POWER)
| |
| |
|_______(RELAY)________|
The wiring diagram shows that the wires going through the relay only go
through the coil. There are no wires going through the tabs which get
connected if and when the coil gets energized. I understand that the
electricity will follow the path of least resistence. But I do not see
how this changes anything. Anyone have any thoughts? Nissan so far has
been of little help. I went to the local dealer and they couldn't find
the part unless I had it in my hand with the number already on it. I
called their main headquarters and could not get through to anyone who
was knowledgable on the subject. I did get someone to try to find the
right part number for me (she is to call me tomorrow). Well any help in
the meantime will be great.
Jay Laifman
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