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Series 2 E Type Charging Issue

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Series 2 E Type Charging Issue #1
70etype Paul Berry SYRACUSE,NY, NY, USA Sign in to contact	Topic Creator (OP) Nov 11, 2025 01:12 PM Joined 1 year ago 6 Posts

I have a 1970 Series 2, E Type that has been years in the restoration process. I recently had it running and on the road only to have the charging system fail. I have replaced the Alternator, Regulator and Relay but the system will not charge the battery. The gage shows a discharge when running. My test meter shows that nothing is coming from the new alternator. I am a novice mechanic or rather a parts changer rather than a mechanic.

Any ideas???

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about 1 week and 1 day later...

Re: Series 2 E Type Charging Issue #2
hugomiller Hugo Miller Clermont, FL, USA Sign in to contact	Nov 19, 2025 04:07 PM Joined 8 years ago 88 Posts

Probably not your issue, but I had a head-scratcher when I rebuilt my XKE & couldn't get it to charge. I used an integral alternator which worked ok on another car but not on the Jag.
Turned out to be the ign warning light - I had fitted an LED bulb, and that didn't pass enough current to excite the alternator! Fitted a tungsten bulb and it was fine.
If you have a separate regulator and relay, you have three times the failure points!

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Re: Series 2 E Type Charging Issue #3
70etype Paul Berry SYRACUSE,NY, NY, USA Sign in to contact	Topic Creator (OP) Nov 19, 2025 05:22 PM Joined 1 year ago 6 Posts

Thanks for the suggestion. I checked the bulb and found that it would light up when bench tested. My next effort will be to check the wiring to the bulb socket.

I see that there is a " 3AW ignition warning light unit" in the schematic. There is also a "Control relay, Ignition warning light" offered in parts books. Are these the same thing? and if so where in the car is it located? Could this be the failure?

Thanks

PB

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Re: Series 2 E Type Charging Issue #4
leystertje Frank Leysen Kontich, Belgium Sign in to contact	Nov 19, 2025 06:47 PM Joined 6 years ago 31 Posts

Hi Paul, they’re the same. They,re of rather poor quality and often fail... SNG Barratt offers a modern version which is quite reliable.it comes with an electric diagram, as the colour codes on the new unit are different, but it is easy peasyto install!
Good luck, Frank

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Re: Series 2 E Type Charging Issue #5
70etype Paul Berry SYRACUSE,NY, NY, USA Sign in to contact	Topic Creator (OP) Nov 19, 2025 10:14 PM Joined 1 year ago 6 Posts

Thanks. I have had good luck getting parts from SNG Barratt. Will give it a try.

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Re: Series 2 E Type Charging Issue #6
Mister Mitch Mitch Roe Phoenix, AZ, USA Sign in to contact 1972 MG MGB 1974 Triumph 1500	Nov 22, 2025 10:36 AM Joined 11 years ago 67 Posts

Paul
On my many Jags..the 1st thing I do is go to a cs-130 single wire alternator..some $100 shipped...you do loose the idiot light (tho I am no idiot) as I still have the voltage meter...thing is, they never fail
Mitch

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