Series 2 LED Oil warning light on Series 2A LR

Hi folks

Guidoma here from Australia again.

Regarding my Series 2A LR, someone has drilled an oversize hole where the alternator/charge warning light is normally positioned on the dash panel and the hole was plugged up with a rubber grommet. The hole is about 25mm diameter, and the red charge warning light is too small to fit securely in the hole.

I still have the original charge warning light and bulb holder, so I was thinking of relocating that warning light to where the Oil warning light is normally positioned. I will then purchase a Hella LED green pilot light, part number 2717, which will be large enough to neatly cover the oversize hole, and use the green LED pilot light as my oil warning light.

My project is not going to be a concourse restoration, so it doesn't really matter to me if the light is oversized compared to the other warning lights, as long as the light functions correctly and safely.

I believe if I were to use an LED as my alternator charge warning light, I would have to install a resistor for it to work properly and tickle the alternator, but as I mentioned I still have the correct red light fitting and bulb holder, so I don't need to go down that line.

However, in regard to the green LED warning light, would I need to install a resistor for it to work? If I do need to install a resistor, what suggestions about wattage and resistance and would it be installed in parallel with the warning light or in series before the warning light?

Thank you

Guidoma

@mystery might have a clue on this one, but can’t see harm in temporarily rigging It up for testing before final fit

any images you could purchase a round label to cover the hole with the correct hole size for your original warning light such as
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/128...MIufHj9PKBggMVVQQGAB1KIQCnEAQYByABEgJ5B_D_BwE or 100 ohm 5w resistor and a IN4005 or IN4007 diode for the led

Hi steve and mystery.

What an excellent idea. I honestly didn't think of a circular label plate, there may just be enough room to fit one, then I can put the charge light back where it belongs. It is the original 2A series red dash warning light with its incandescent bulb and bulb holder, so if I can utilise it back in its original position all the warning lights will match.

If there isn't enough room, I will put the charge light where the oil warning light is and get a larger green LED to fit the oversize hole which will then become my oil warning light.

If that is the case and I do use a large LED for my oil light, would I still need a resistor and diode for the oil light and would it be connected as per your diagram above?

Thanks again for your advice.

Guidoma

resistor and diode not needed for oil light but if you use the original light unit for charge the resistor and diode can still be used to cover if the charge warning bulb goes the alternator will still charge as the resistor mimic's the bulb load and the diode is just to stop feed back from the alternator

Unless I'm mistaken with what you're saying use a suitable flat washer to shrink the size of the hole and use the original lamp?

yes but with the written word on it

mystery said:

resistor and diode not needed for oil light but if you use the original light unit for charge the resistor and diode can still be used to cover if the charge warning bulb goes the alternator will still charge as the resistor mimic's the bulb load and the diode is just to stop feed back from the alternator

Click to expand...

Hi mystery.
I will follow your advice regarding placing a resister on the charge light circuit. By chance I came upon a you tube clip last night where a bloke was having problems with his series 2a battery going flat. He found the charge bulb had blown so the alternator wasn't getting a signal and wasn't charging the battery.
I would connect the resistor as shown in your diagram
Next stop is to locate a disc to cover the oversize hole in the dash
Thank you again for your advice.
Guidoma

simple method for resistor and diode ,make sure the diode is connected correct way round

Thanks for that mystery. I will make some inquiries at one of our Jaycar electronic stores tomorrow. I am sure they will have what I need.
Guido.a