Car dies when I disconnect positive battery terminal

I am not quite sure how to do this. I have located the "I" prong on the regulator. I guess I unplug it, then wrap a wire around the "I" prong and plug it back in? Then attach the other end to neg battery cable? Do I turn the key on?

 

On these old systems that orig had a mechanical regulator the resistor is supposed to provide excitement, will provide far more current than a measly #194 bulb... On the newer systems there is still a parallel resistor but is a far higher value(500 ohm vs 15) so bulb is now providing most of the current...

 

Close enough but should come on if grounded to chassis... Yes turn on ign but don't start it...

 

Ok I did what you suggested but no light on. I guess that means I am not getting power to the "I" prong. I am getting power to the A prong right next to it. Can I jump from the "A" prong to the "I" prong to see if the Alt light will light up?

 

Connecting power to the I terminal may get it to charge or maybe produce smoke... Not supposed to be power at that point unless alt is charging and then light would be out...

With no knowledge of electrical circuits, you should take it to someone that can properly troubleshoot...

 

Thanks for your help. That is my next step!

 

Ok guys, I want to thank everyone for the help. I finally found the problem. The problem was the paper electronic board that the idiot lights plug into. I had one laying around from an old parts car and viola, it worked. The idiot ALT light came on when we turn the key on. We tested alternator and it is producing about 14amps. We are back in business. Changing out this board also fixed my right blinker dash light that was not working though the blinkers were working outside the car. Thanks again for all the troubleshooting tips.

 

that's great. I was having the same problem...mine turned out to be bent pins in my turn signal switch connector