The generator light on my 76 cadillac deville comes on but slowly dims out when driving

Interior Lights Dimming Circuit Description
VF Displays
When the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the instrument cluster activates its VF display. The instrument cluster also coordinates the display illumination for the radio (IRC), the cellular telephone (PHN), and the climate control Panel (CCP) anytime the ignition switch is in the RUN position.
Incandescent Dimming 1 (INC DIM 1)
The INC DIM 1 consists of lamps powered by CKT 8 (GRY). These are referred to as the park lamp backlighting because they are only active if the park lamps are on and the ambient light sensor indicates darkness.
Incandescent Dimming 2 (INC DIM 2)
The INC DIM 2 output is used as a general interior light source and an illuminated entry feature that provides interior lighting. The INC DIM 2 consists of lamps powered by CKT 1244 (BRN). When one or more of the following conditions occur, the INC DIM 2 lamps will be active:
• The interior lamps switch is active.
• The park lamps are on and the ambient light sensor indicates darkness
• The ignition switch is in the RUN position and the ambient light sensor indicates darkness
• A Class 2 message is received from the body control module (PZM) indicating that the courtesy lamps are active.
Dimming
The instrument cluster controls all of the interior dimming functions. The instrument cluster receives an ambient light level input from the ambient light sensor and determines whether it is light or dark. If the ambient light sensor is inoperative, the instrument cluster will assume a condition of darkness. Dimming of the VF displays is only allowed when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the park lamps are on, and the ambient light sensor indicates darkness. If all conditions for the VF dimming are met, the instrument cluster uses the input from the potentiometer in the headlamp switch to determine the level of dimming. The dimming level is sent to the radio (IRC), the cellular telephone (PHN), and the climate control panel (CCP) via a Class 2 message. These modules then adjust the dimming level of their VF display. The instrument cluster provides dimming control of the incandescent lighting through the INC DIM 1 and INC DIM 2 outputs. The instrument cluster provides dimming control of the electronic PRNDL LED through CKT 1382 (PPL/WHT). The dimming level will very based on the potentiometer in the headlamp switch whenever the parklamps are on and the ambient light sensor indicates darkness, regardless of the position of the ignition switch.


1998 Cadillac DeVille ' DeVille, Eldorado (VIN E/K) Service Manual ' Body and Accessories ' Lighting Systems ' Diagnostic Information and Procedures ' Document ID: 489166
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Interior Lights Dimming System Check
Step
Action
Normal Result(s)
Abnormal Result(s)*
1
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Place the interior lamps switch in the ON position.
All incandescent lighting on the INC DIM D2 output turns ON. INC DIM 2 includes all of the lighting on CKT 1244 (BRN), which is the backlighting for the headlamp switch and the floodlighting for the vehicle doors.
Incandescent Lamps Inoperative
2
Place the interior lamps switch in the OFF position.
Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
INC DIM 2 lighting turns OFF.
All of the VF displays light. VF displays include the following components (if equipped):
• The radio (IRC)
• The cellular telephone (PHN)
• The driver information center (DIC)
• The instrument cluster (IPC)
• The climate control panel (CCP)
• Vacuum Fluorescent Displays Inoperative - All
• Incandescent Lamps Always On
3
Cover the ambient light sensor with the twilight OFF.
Place the headlamp switch in the PARK position.
The park lamps turn ON.
All of the VF displays dim in order to match the current dimming control level. All of the incandescent lighting for INC DIM 1 and INC DIM 2 light at the current dimming control level. INC DIM 1 includes all of the park lamp backlighting on CKT 8 (GRY) which is composed of the following components:
• The radio (IRC)
• The front cigar lighter
• The steering wheel controls
• The driver information center (DIC)
• The climate control panel (CCP)
• The instrument cluster (IPC)
• The heated seat switches
• The auxiliary blower switches
• The ash tray lamps
• The PRNDL lamp
Exterior Lights System Check
4
Rotate the headlamp switch dimming control in both directions.
All of the VF displays and all of the incandescent lighting dim and brighten in response to the headlamp switch dimming control.
Vacuum Fluorescent Displays Do Not Dim with Instrument Panel Dimmer Switch
* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.

Hello Jamie Pickett,

External to the ALTERNATOR there is indeed a
"Generator Disable Connector" showing
advance of the (onboard) REGULATOR.

FREE Factory Drawings are available at
BBB Industries at (registration required)

BBB Industries Premium Alternators Starters Power Steering Products
Look under Engine, electrical: charging.

Parts
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/cadillac,1994,deville,4.9l+v8,1025772,electrical-connector,alternator+/+generator+connector,2528

Hope this helps

Carnac the Magnificent

1994 CADILLAC DEVILLE 4 9L V8 Alternator Generator Connector RockAuto

Check ground wires. One for each head light. Mounted to the body, close to the light. Drivers side has lost ground and is try to get it threw the passenger side. This is why it is dim.

Cadillac codes are easy to read..then replace the bad sensors etc and then clear the codes and try again etc

When this happens, it is likely because the headlights came on due to the automatic sensors. If that is the case, the condition is normal.

Karma:570946
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In the HJ, the two warning lights between the tacho and speedo are HIGHBEAM on the left and both HANDBRAKE/BRAKE FAIL combined on the right.

ok, change the oil to proper viscosity. This happened to me on my 1997 Cadillac Deville. The manual says that when this happens, the oil could be too thick (filled with gunk I suppose). Oil won't flow right when it hasn't been changed for a while.

I would suggest checking your Oxygen sensor which will light up your service emission light. Check that and let me know Good luck

Could be a loose wire but more likely you have either a diode or regulator going bad inside the unit.

Replace bulbs as the contacts have melted or corroded and they will cross contact to the running lights that come on with the headlights. Check all.