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Old 08-10-2018, 05:05 AM
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rsk289 rsk289 is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Cambridge, England, n/a
Cobra Make, Engine: 289 leafspring, r/p
Posts: 518
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CompClassics View Post
The resistor is a back up in case the charging indicator bulb fails, this allows the charging system to continue to operate normally. If the resistor is not in the circuit and the charging indicator bulb fails your charging system will not operate. Since the bulb does not illuminate in this situation you may or may not realize that the fault with the system is the bulb and not another component in the charging system.
Thanks, that makes sense. For some reason UK customers don't get the failsafe! I don't think any of my older Brit sportscars had a resistor in parallel, although some MGs etc. did have a fine restistance wire wound around the warning light casing which was presumably there for that purpose. None of the later Healeys or TRs did, though - pretty sure original Cobras didn't either. Obviously this is for cars with Lucas electrics, not Ford/Autolite.
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