Alternator... think I know, but...

[sb_beetle]

Background:

Replacing the dipstick tube and it continued to break all the way down as I pulled.

Decided to use some pliers...

Tapped the nut on the alternator...

zapp and smoke...

glad I was wearing gloves...

Car seems to run fine...

battery/alternator light on cluster remains on until I increase the RPMs and then it turns off...

I realize I could have zapped alot more!!!

My question is: why does it stay on and then go out after the RPM increase?

Any ideas???

[CGK]

Sounds like you may have fried the voltage regulator. The regulator controls the amount of voltage output from the alternator to the battery while running and varies that voltage depending on the RPM of the alternator while running.
When increasing the RPM, you are generating a higher level of output which is probably why the light goes out.
Disconnect the battery and replace the regulator on the back of the alternator and you should be OK. I'd scan the system with VDCS to get the DTC code to be sure nothing else has gone awry.