ignition warning light

Hi every one decided to take the van out today seeing as it has been stood for a while due to health reasons, got a hundred yards up the road and noticed the ignition light was still on so had to return home, any one any ideas of simple things to look for before shelling out for a new alternator please
thanks in advance
mike vwt4

Is the light on brightly or just a dull glow. If bright the first thing to look at is the auxiliary (fan) belt and check its still there.

Hi dbroada
yes the light is bright so will look at the belt first
thanks
vwt4

Hi 
just an update on the ignition light, checked voltages no output from alternator, cleaned a connections still no output van has a date with garage tommorow.
mike
vwt4

that sounds right.

strong red light is (usually) no output voltage either through missing belt or dead alternator.
dull or intermittent light is low output, slipping belt or dying alternator.

there is also a no light at all - an important wire has fallen off. This one naturally only happens when its raining though. Or at least in my case it was raining.

Hi quick update on ignition light saga, van been in garage all day with a mechanic I trust  he says the light went off after giving the engine some revs alternator charging at 14.4vdc light been off all day after trying 8 or 9 times  so what was the problem ? he says maybe because van has been stood awhile
we shall see
mike
vwt4

Probably stuck brushes

Frank

Yes, a few revs to clean out the cobwebs, often works wonders. Glad it's sorted

Hi bought her back from garage no problems at all, and no cost either!!
mike
vwt4

Perfect solution.

If I were you I would take the alternator off and check the brush box. It has given you a warning. If its a bosch alternator the brush box is easy to change. I had a dim ignition light and when I checked the brushes they were worn.