Electrical car broken gah!

[SonicRiot]

DAH! Electrical gremlins have infilltrated my car's wiring system!

Anyone know how to full field the stock '91 Alternator? Can't find the procedure...

Here's the scenario:

-Randomly stalls. NOT a PIP or CPS, the ignition system tests fine. It is unrelated to the engine itself as far as I can see.
-Car feels sluggish and this feeling is backed by many recent defeats. I was dusted, and I mean DUSTED by a bone stock 'Stang GT convertible on the highway!
-Headlights, interior lights, dash, HVAC display, and outside keypad lights flicker while car is running. Turning on multiple lights makes the scenario worse and makes the idle drop. Unlocking the car from the keypad while it's running causes the car to almost stall!
-Battery is at full charge at all times (12.6V)
-The car won't even start if the headlights are on during cranking. The parking lights will cause the same problem when I start the car cold.
-Turning the ignition to accessories and not starting the car will cause the lights to go very dim after several seconds and even turn off. This is just interior lights, now...
-The car will occasionally stall for a split second, the airbag idiot light will illuminate for a second and the car will sputter back to life like nothing happened. Sometimes the lamp out light illuminates, I suspect this is due to the super dim headlights and flickering.



So alternator, anyone? Am I on the right track? Any suggestions? I'm usually pretty good at electrical diagnosis, but it's friggen cold and a mass electrical problem like this is never easy.

I do want to replace the wiring harness and route new, larger, central grounds. Maybe this is a good time...

Thanks.



BTW, there is only 12.6V (battery voltage) at the battery terminals while the car is idling. Oh yeah, and I posted in the electrical section too, but I need this one fast.
__________________
Chris

1991 SHO Plus
Oxford White / Black Leather
Factory 'Glass Hood!
The engine's so strong it's banging against the hood!

 

[xpnsiv93]

to check alt. run car, disconnect pos. battery term. if car dies, alt. dying, sounds like alt. or a ground broke/missing somewhere, look at the elec. connections on starter as well, solenoid may be pukin on ya maybe?..i'd check the first two first...then start eliminating..again..good luck

 

[SonicRiot]

I know it's not the starter alone because the car runs poorly, but the starter operates normally. As for disconnectingthe positive terminal of the battery, that can create a dangerous arc...

I'll check the grounds to it though.

 

[Mels]

Chris, I'm home this week. Bring your car up Saturday and we'll look at it together. If it does end up being the alt., I have a spare we can drop in.