The Bently Manual says the charging system will not work when this light is not on. I confirmed by testing the voltage across the battery terminals with the car running, i.e. 12.5 +/- volts. I realized that the only light on when I turned the key was the oil pressure light. I excercised wires around the alternator, battery terminal and the junction box near the 25 amp fuel injection fuse. I also pulled and then reconnected the ignition switch harness under the dash. I then turned the key and had all my lights back including the alternator. Checked the volatage across the terminals, which was now 14.4 +/- indicating that the system was working and that Bentley is accurate.

I may never know wheere the problem arose, but have learned tht in this old brick, the majority of these types of problem are related to fuses and/or bad connections.

Thanks for your help