idiot light

[peterm]

Seems my alternator light? is intermittantly on-(top warning light on dash)  disappears with increased rpms comes back at idle

what am i looking at?  I'm not sure if there is something unrealted that is quirly in the 113.  Light the inability to turn the car off when brake fluid is low and the door is open

[al_lieffring]

If the alternator light is coming on dim at idle when there is a heavy electical load on the charging system (lights and a/c or heart on) this could indicate loose or corroded connections at terminal 30 of the head light switch.

first have the alternator load tested, it could (more likely) be open diodes in the rectifyer bridge.

[peterm]

not an answer to give to an idiot-  I think the sprocket connected to the gizmo which attaches to the thingy would help me -  Thanks I defer to your knowledge and will inform my repair person

[al_lieffring]

Lets try it this way, firsst thing to do is to have your alternator and battery tested. if they check out OK, then the problem could be corroded electrical wiring  the entire current from the electrical system goes through the headlight switch, this can cause a bottle neck and lower the voltage to the rest of the car causing the dash indicator light to come on at idle,
 

[hands_aus]

is the fan belt tight enough?

[J. Huber]

Mine comes on on occasion. I have had the alternator tested and things are basically fine. It happens sometimes when I start up warm and put car in gear. Once I give throttle it goes away. It also happens sometimes when I come down to idle after a long high rpm drive. As I pull to a stop it sometimes flickers. Again, as soon as I raise RPMs it fades. Attribute it to an almost 50! year old car trying to catch its breath... in other words, I don't consider it a big deal as long as its once in a while.

[kayemoxon]

I believe the light should be on when the door is open (ignition on or off) I know its strange but there it is!
Regarding the light on when driving occasionally- I would check fanbelt tension before getting alternator output checked.
Regards
Kaye