Wayne,
    A new idle control unit fixed this problem on my truck. The old one
didn't give that initial RPM kick to wake up the alternator.
Ken Lewis
http://neksiwel.20m.com/
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....... The alternator light comes on,and stays on when I
> start the van cold.If I rev it up I hear a click and the alternator light
> goes out and the dash lights come on ......