Charge System Warning Indicator
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
A Red charge indicator is located in the instrument cluster. This indicator illuminates when there is low or no generator (GEN) output.
When the ignition switch contacts are closed, battery current flows through the charge indicator and the parallel resistor (390 ohms) to the voltage indicator, and the indicator comes on.
When the generator builds up enough voltage to energize a circuit in the voltage regulator, the indicator goes out.