alternator randomly charging

[whojohnjones]

So could I bypass the dash light with a resistor and 12 volt source

 

[drogg1]

So could I bypass the dash light with a resistor and 12 volt source

Yes, if the source is switched. Also, as the circuit shows, the resistor must be rated for 1 or 2 W.

 

[Longroof79]

In many cases, the brown excite lead can become bad, or open. Before I replaced my dash, I had to run a new wire from the fuse panel +12 volt switched source to the alternator temporarily.
When I went with a new CS130 alternator, I also used the si to cs adapter plug with resistor built in.

 

[whojohnjones]

I checked a 85 caprice I have and the brown charging wire has like 1.3 volts with the switch in run but my gbody has like 3.85 volts could that be a problem?