the alternator needs to have a good battery to work. the battery excites the field initially in the alternator, once that happens your lights should never dim while the car is on. sounds like you are draining the battery with the glow and start and after a while the battery recovers enough voltage to excite the feild on the alternator and viola, bright lights. check your battery voltage before during and after the glow/start cycle. it should hold 11-12 volts, if not you may have a bad cell

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1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)