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Not sure but here is a good start from the FAQ. For the most part you can ignore the flakey wire insulation.
“Warning Lights Flickering: Bad Alternator Brushes. [Query:] We just replaced our battery because as we drove the warning lights were constantly flickering on and off (plus sometimes we had to jumpstart the car to start it). Now the car starts fine but the warning lights continue to flicker. Any idea on what could be the problem? [Response: Russell Smith] Check the brushes in the voltage regulator. Most likely they are worn out, causing the idiot lights to flicker and preventing the battery from charging adequately.”
And “Alternator Wiring is Failing. [Editor's Note: See the section on "Baked Wiring Harnesses" in Electrical: Circuits, Relays for more information.] One quick thing to check is the ground wire that goes from the alternator to the engine block. That broke on me, resulting in my running off the battery with the same symptoms you have. It was not until I pulled the alternator that I saw the broken wire. Would have saved a lot of time to check that first. I have been through this on so many cars that whenever it happens, and the battery proves to hold a charge, I automatically yank the alternator and head straight for the local rebuilder. I couldn't tell for sure at first which alternator I had-turned out to be Bosch internal. I don't remember how much to rebuild, but it was considerably under $100.
[Symptom: idiot lights all go on; also, oil pressure gauge is erratic:] Having all the idiot lights go on at once is not as strange as it might seem. This will happen if the small wire leading to the back of the alternator is grounded. It will also happen if the alternator is not generating any current. When this wire is at ground potential, it is the same condition as before you start the car - hence the idiot lights are on so you can check they are not burned out. The wires for the alternator and also the o/p sender go around the front of the engine under the main crank pulley. (If you get under the front you will see what I mean.) Dripping crank seals often get oil all over these wires. Not to mention it is hot by the alternator. Flaky insulation may be at work. If you really want, you can reroute these wires around the right side of the car instead and splice into the harness at the firewall.”
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Tom F. Three Bricks, maintain two more.
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