I am wanting to get some opinions on what could be the root cause of the issue I'm having. A few weeks ago I tore apart my engine to replace lifters/heads. Upon putting it back together I started getting a "service charging system" error from time to time. It would only happen when idling and the error seemed to have no ill effects so I just kept on driving. Last week I started having issues with my shifter not wanting to go into gear and not wanting to start. I discovered that if I pressed the brake to the floor hard it would start and release the shifter. I also noticed my brake lights will not illuminate unless I am all the way on the floor with the brakes and the car will not shift into OD (4th) unless I tap the brakes and get back on the gas. So I ended up replacing the brake sensor and that did not fix the issue. I am starting to think the two issues are related. Are there any particular grounds I should check? I have inspected the battery/terminals and do not see anything out of sorts. I have noticed low voltage on startup (8-9 volts) that goes up with a rev and stays in the 13.5-14 range while driving. Even when I get the "service charging system" on the display the voltage is always above 13. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I forgot to mention that there are times when the brake/sensor seems to work fine and the car will shift into OD, brake lights work, car starts with little pressure on pedal, shifter works fine.

 

First check some of the connections like alternator stud, grounds you might have wiggled/undone or clips that might look on that are not. Check nut on starter and main lug on fuse box. I just changed heads last week and there is a lot of stuff you have going on that could just need a little tightening.