I had the same problem on my 98 se 2.5 Alternator went out, but i didn't feel like changing it myself as its location is less than optimal. Once the alt. was replaced it went out within a wk. Had the shop replace it again. Again the alt. quit working in a couple of days. Two problems, one the Battery cables had melted together underneath the battery and behind the engine btw the firewall. The other problem was the mechanic forgot to replace the splash guard and with all the rain we had it was flooding the alt. everytime i turned a corner. The shop had to replace the alt. a third time, they were not happy, but i was less happy. They got the hint after i threatened to stop payment on the check i wrote them.
