My alternator has needed replacement for the 3rd time in 10 months.
Last October my battery light came on, and the repair shop I normally use replaced the alternator. I bought the car used in 1997 but I am fairly certain it was the original alternator. The car had 183K miles on it.
In June this year the same thing happened, the light flickered occasionally for a day or so, then came on permanently and I took the car into the shop. The alternator was replaced again.
Last week this happened for the 3rd time (light came on). Took the car to the dealership and the light would not come on for them. They kept it for 3 days and eventually the light came on. The dealer repair shop said the alternator had an internal short. So, I took the car back original repair shop and they are replacing the alternator again since it is under warranty.
Any ideas on what to look for as to why this is happening? By the way the battery if 4 years old, it is a 66 month battery.
One more thing, when the battery light on the dash goes on, the brake light also goes on. I sometimes hear a sparking or arcing sound, like a relay is clicking and these two light flash when that is happening.
Mark