Battery warning light on... no keys?

[MJBD8]

Hiya guys got a new one!

Dads car is a '96 1.9td D8, turnthe engine off and keys out the ignition and the battery lights on the dash (dimmly). Can't use the central locking Im guessing because it thinks the ignitions still on?

We could be stood outside the car waving the keys at it stupid fashion and yet the battery light still stays on. Engine runs well when started as does everything else but it wont goto sleep...

Any ideas?

Matt

[teamster1975]

Pretty weird! Sounds like a sticky switch in the ignition barrel if the battery light is staying on!

[omega]

it could also be a fault on the alternator
might be a idea to disconect the alternator and see if the light goes out.

[StevieboyTD]

This is screaming "bad earth" at me, seen it on a few other cars. Check all the battery, engine and body connections.

Usually caused when the system can't earth through it's normal direct route and goes backwards through a system not intended for earthing. Sounds bizarre but it happens.