Alternator light flickers

[smurfcorpse]

2000 626 V6
Driving along and alternator light flickers. Sometimes comes on for 5 seconds. It can happen 10 times a week or only once a month. It's been happening on and off for over a year now.
I've checked the battery and cleaned the terminals but thats it so far.
Is the alternator going bad?

[luvtotinker]

usually if it is the alternator its gonna go out and wont return. try changing the belt or tightening the tension on the belt for the alternator.

[smurfcorpse]

Mechanic says the belt is worn and should be replaced. I just had it replaced three years ago. Could this be the problem and so soon? I thought belts were good for at least four years.

[luvtotinker]

if the belt looks worn or cracked it needs to be replaced. if not maybe the idler tensioner needs to be replaced.