Alternators require a slight 12v power trigger to start them producing
electric current. On the Vanagons it's the blue trigger wire that comes from
the starter when you crank your engine.
The VW Voltage regulator just requires "that certain" RPM range to get
things started.

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Damon Campbell" <damoncampbellvw@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 3:54 PM
Subject: Re: What does my battery light mean?

> I was under the impression that this phenomena was to
> show that the oil and alt light circuits were working
> (at least when you started the car).  The alt being
> hooked up to the coolant system back in the AC days,
> and all...
>
> --- Jeffrey Earl <jefferrata@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
> > Not entirely sure what you mean by "really rev the
> > engine", but that sounds pretty typical of every VW
> > I've ever owned. Though my experience is limited to
> > water-cooled models in the 1978-83 era, all four
> > VW's
> > I've owned have exhibited this exact same behavior:
> > on
> > initial startup, the ALT and oil pressure indicator
> > lights come on, the oil pressure light goes out
> > within
> > 2-3 seconds, but the ALT light will stay lit all day
> > at idle, until you tap the throttle or engage the
> > clutch and drive away. Upon which there is an
> > audible
> > click somewhere under the dash and the ALT indicator
> > light goes out.
>
> '84 Westy "The Van" w/2.3L WBX
> Vancouver, BC
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone.
> http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
> Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.3 - Release Date: 4/5/2005
>
>