You are correct.  The light circuit allows a small current to go the  field
to get the alternator "started".  Without this circuit, the alternator will
not kick in until 4000 rpm or so.  The light bulb also serves as a resistor
so the back feed from the alternator will not keep the engine running when
the ignition is switch off.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Granito <VANAGONE@AOL.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Sunday, August 23, 1998 9:55 AM
Subject: Re: Charging system update

>In a message dated 8/20/98 05:41:43 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
kdlewis@JUNO.COM
>writes:
>
><< The small wire has no affect on charging, it only illuminates the
> ignition light when the battery is discharging. >>
>If memory serves me correctly doesn't the small wire(blue) activate the
>alternator field, enabling the alternator to charge, in addition to
>illuminating the light?
>Anyone confirm this?
>                                  Jerry