Well, it isn't *intended* as a backup for the ALT light -- it's hooked in
to that circuit to give a lamp test function for the OXS light -- all those
warning lights are supposed to light up when you first turn the key, before
starting the engine.   But in practice, the way it's wired (through a diode
to the D+ alternator lead) means that it will be lit any time the ALT light
is lit (the converse is not true).  If OXS is lit and ALT is not, ALT has a
bad LED or other fault.

david

At 03:42 PM 1/21/2003, gary hradek wrote:
>Now george,
>           give it to me straight, tell me what you
>really think!!!!   On my 87 it was the only light that
>gave me any indication that I had an alternator
>problem.   Does not go out unless the alternator is
>turning and charging.   But I would be happy to hear
>if anyone else has noticed this observation or perhaps
>it was too much dope in my youth.   In any case
>george, thanks for the feedback.   gary the west coast
>lizard, come see me at the reno vanagon cafe.
>--- THX0001@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > In a message dated 1/21/03 3:22:47 PM,
> > hradek@YAHOO.COM writes:
> >
> > << The 02 light acts as sort of a backup light for
> > the alternator light. >>
> >
> > Bullshit.
> >
> > George
>
>
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--
David Beierl - Providence RI USA -- http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"