98 Windstar electrical

My 98 Windstar cruise control comes on by itself and light flickers most of the time. Now the battery light has come on and won't go out.
Any clues?
Thanks

alternator. Hook a voltmeter up and check it.

"Check Voltage at Battery – Hook up voltmeter, and measure the voltage at the battery with engine idling. Raise engine RPM to about 1500 and measure voltage again. (With most accessories off, these two should be about the same.) If alternator, battery and cables are good, this is the voltage level set by the voltage regulator. Should be about 13.8 – 14.5 volts."

from this webpage
http://smccd.net/accounts/mcafee/LabWorksheets/AlternatorDiagnosisWork.html

Just back from shop.
Short cct. in wire harness, everything is working.