the alternator did improve the problem, but didnt completely cure it. I went back to checker auto and was very mad to hear that they never properly tested the alternator, they just assumed and then told me thats what it was for sure. Well, I went back and they had to admit it might not have been the alternator, but of course I couldn't get a refund. After the new alternator was in and the problems presisted, (though not with as much frequency) I recleaned the battery terminals so that they were immaculate. Since then (its only been a day and about 50 miles) I havent had a problem. So, who knows, maybe thats all it was. BTW, where exactly does the ground wire from the battery go to? I'm sure I looked right at it, but I could not identify it to see if it was making proper contact.