2004 Camry High Pitched Whining Noise At Idle And Battery Light Flickers

Yesterday as soon as I started my car, I noticed a high pitched whining noise. As I drove, it seemed to stop, but as I slowed down and idled, it came back. After driving a couple miles, the battery light came on, so I turned off the AC, radio, and lights and it went off again, but as I sat at stop lights it would flicker on and off again. Anyone know anything about a problem like this? I'd like to have an idea before I take it to a shop. Thanks!

First guess would be the alternator and/or alternator drive belt.

Thanks Joe. Couldn't even get it started today. Now to sweet talk my brother in law to come over and fix it for me!

Haha... if I could do that he would be fixing my cars! If the car refused to even crank over, it does sound like the alternator... that had drained the battery, although a faulty belt could cause the same symptoms.

Haha... if I could do that he would be fixing my cars! If the car refused to even crank over, it does sound like the alternator... that had drained the battery, although a faulty belt could cause the same symptoms.
Actually the alternator is driven by the serpentine belt. I think this is a bad alternator brushes.

Sam