I'm out of my depth with much of what you are discussing here but as far as the low voltage thing goes, my abs light came on one day and the manual says it can come on if the voltage is low. I have a new battery. Well anyway, one day i started the car with the driver's door open and revved the engine up over 2000rpms and suddenly my courtesy light gets a lot brighter - seems like my alternator doesn't kick in until i do that. So that's my everyday starting procedure but I'm sure its a sign that something is on its way out. I hope this helps maybe...

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'87 BMW 325 convertible (162k + miles)
'87 300E, 144k + miles (sold)
'93 Chevy Blazer (full size), 207K + miles
'89 Sea Ray 390EC, 2 x 454's, 1550 hours...
'85 AMF Sunfish

Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA