300D battery light

[Will]

I have just bought a 300D  and although it is in spectactular condition, I have noticed that when its dark, the battery light glows very faintly when the engine is running at less than about 1200 rpm? Charging system seems to be working OK, belts tight and new, beyond this I haven't a clue, any ideas??

 

[Will]

The faint glow of the battery light in the instrument cluster could be an indication of the voltage regulator having a bad diode. Regulators are fairly easy to replace, and cost around £25.

 

[thomas]

I have had this on cars and it means that the charging rate is low.  This does not matter if the battery is good but if your battery is getting old it won't keep it up.  Almost certainly as someone previously explained is a faulty diode.  You can replace it at about £1 if you are that handy at electrics or you can buy a reconditioned alternator at far more.  We have a very useful motor electrics overhauling facility in our town and I suspect you have one near you.  They will probably charge £20 to do the job.  Sometime ago I used to see an advertisement in the Exchange and Mart that not only sold diodes but also a little booklet explaining how to do it.

 

[Will]

Cheers guys!!