MG Car Repair: Panel light, mg midget, alternator belt

Question
I have a 1979 MG Midget and recently the red warning light came on. I can't find anywhere what that means.

Answer
Hi Warren,
If you are talking about the red light just to the right and above the blue light, that is called the "Ignition" light which serves two functions. One is that the Ignition has been turned on and when the engine starts and is running if it stays on it means the charging system has failed for some reason.

To test the charging system you need to first look at the alternator belt to see that it is tight and then you need a volt meter. With the engine shut off check the battery voltage (12 volts) Then start the engine and set the RPM at about 1500 RPM and check the voltage at the battery again. It should be from 13.8 volts to 14.5 volts. Any reading other than that, the charging system is not correct.

Howard