the load resistor test would still be good to potentially rule out the alternator itself being the problem. I will trace the wires and see what I come up with.

 

Well, the load resistor test might fail, if that shutdown-command-wire is still shorted to ground.

 

wires are all still in the heat shield and still in their secure harnesses, no sign of damage or fraying even from the heat shield. I even crawled under the car and followed the wires under the intake. all looks secure.

 

I will add driving home from work last night I had more of the lights randomly dimming while driving, not stopped, the battery light also came on again during this. I gave the accelerator a fast bump and everything brightened back up

 

Another likely possibility is worn brushes in the alternator. They can lose contact then re-gain contact with vibration or hitting a bump in the road. Almost like the starter caveman test where you hit a bad starter with a broomstick to make it work.

 

either way it sounds like a new alternator is in order. thanks for the help.