Sporadically, the battery warning light comes on. Turn off the car and it does not happen on the second start. New battery. Any thoughts? I am thinking alternator (needs bench test?) or the belt? But if the latter, why would the subsequent start not be an issue?

 

Test the alternators output with a multimeter. You should see around 14v.

 

I thought, you have already installed a new battery
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ou...w-battery.html
If not it is possible that oxidation products at the bottom of a cell cause shorts in the battery. As the car moves the vibration displaces these fragments and it works just fine.
Even if you replaced the battery it is possible that you have a faulty one. I can even imagine that this problem may be responsible for your ABS control unit problem a while back.
As for the alternator, if I remember well you have tested it in response to recommendations from another thread (where you had problem with the ABS hydraulic unit). Is my recollection correct?

 

+1. Sounds like the alternator. Every time I come across that light while working on cars/trucks/buses/etc. It's normally always the alternator. From what I've seen anyway... Give that a look and go from there.

 

If u r stuck I'm sure I could dig u out a wiring schematic for the charging system and post a picture here if it's allowed. New to the club so unsure weather it will incur points.......