Does the battery light=alternator?

The reason I ask is because my battery light goes on for a while then back off. I thought the battery terminals may have needed cleaning but the problem persists. It has dawned on me maybe this is the new alternator light and the charging system has an issue.

Is there anything in particular these cars are known to have fail? This car is a 1999 Town Car.

Thank You

I am having the same issue with my 99' TC. I would be very interested in the response to your question.

Check the output of your alt. If you have a volt meter, have some one else start the car and see what the voltage is at the bat. connections.
Voltage should jump up to around 14 volts. Also your belt could be slipping. If all else fails you could take the alt. in to the local auto parts store and have them check it.

If you live near a autozone they will test your electiral system free of charge. when my battery life came on in the midst of me driving, I needed to replace the alternator.