Purpose Of Charge Indicator Light

[RedPonyGT]

Hey all i'm trying to understand my electrical system and i've got the instrument panel opened up and i was curious what the charge indicator light is for. Does it just tell you that you have a good charge on the battery or that the alternator is charging correctly?
newbie question i know lol but if i have the question i'm sure someone else might.
Thanks!

 

[2+2GT]

The "ALT" indicator light is a warning, when that's on, the battery is draining, you are getting no charge.

 

[RedPonyGT]

oh ok, so providing the electrical is all in order, if that light is on something is amiss...
thanks!

 

[bartl]

Correct. The light should come on when your first turn the key ON as a bulb test, but should go out within a second or two of the engine starting. If the light flickers on at stoplights it could just mean your belt is loose or idle speed is too slow. If it comes on dimly it's usually a sign of a bad diode in the rectifier bridge. If it comes on brightly and stays on it means the alternator is not charging and you'll eventually drain the battery.