90Q charging system issues - three control lights faintly on

[radek at istar.ca]

Tried to drive my son's car this morning and voilà:  three idiot  
lights light up very slightly when the car is started:  charging,  
handbrake and brake pad usage (looks like two drum brake pads with an  
exclamation sign in the middle, I didn't know 90Q had a provision for  
brake pad usage light).  Voltage on centre console showing below 12V.

Where to start:  instrument cluster, the trunk (no reverse light and  
no plate light, wires must be broken)?  I wonder if a short somewhere  
would prevent the alternator from charging fully, in other words,  
would the drain take all of alternator's power?

Car got a brand new alternator a year ago.
TIA.
Radek.