Bonehead here!  I just replaced the battery in Reinhardt and, using my
incredible brain and magnificent manual dexterity, I managed to attach my
positive cable to the negative terminal of the battery and then started to hook
the ground cable to the positive terminal.  The quick zap I heard must have
triggered my own neuron synapses and I realized that I had committed the
automotive equivalent of shooting myself in the foot.  I corrected my wiring
and the starter worked and the engine started, but my red alternator light will
not extinguish.

With minimal laughter, could someone tell me what I have done and if I can
remedy things?  The Diesel Vanagon does not have a computer, so I don't think I
fried anything real important (the ignition key was not on or even in).  Have I
toasted my alternator?  Can I replace anything to restore its virginity?
 Thanks for any restraint you may exercise in responding!

Maynard Southard  (OvO) '79
'86 Double Cab Diesel "Col. Potter"
'82 Westy Diesel "Reinhardt"
'82 Vanagon GL Diesel "Sluggo"
'93 EV GL "Klinger"
'00 Golf GLS TDI "WooHoo"
'84 Jetta GL TD "Donor"