On  9 Aug 96, Terry Tan wrote:

> One thing the Ground cable on the battery terminal felt quite warm
> indicating some heavy load somewhere. There may be a short 
> somewhere. I am going to check the connection at the starter  terminal and
> ground straps just to make sure there are no I squared R at these points.
> Any tips from folks reading is greatly welcome. HAte  to think I may

if your ground cable is warm, it is due to a poor ground connection 
and not due to a 'short'.  this same poor ground will raise havoc 
with the alternator and charge indicator light.

> need a new alternator.

nope.  1/2 hour of intimate contact with your ground strap.  get it 
clean, the battery post clean, the body where it attaches clean.  and 
clean the one that goes between the body and the tranny while you're 
dirty.

-dan