I have a 2017 Camry I4 with 200,000 miles. Today, the battery light started flickering on and off. Is the alternator failing? Battery is 1. year old 6 month old . Should I buy an aftermarket brand from AutoZone (remanufactured or brand new), or should I go with the $300 remanufactured Denso from NAPA? I want this car to last for half a million miles. Thank you
Is the alternator failing?
Maybe. try measuring your voltage. Or get a test. They're free.
Should I buy an aftermarket brand from AutoZone
that's up to you and your budget. OEM will usually last the longest.
remanufactured or brand new
new is better
I want this car to last for half a million miles
that's probably not realistic. Anyway , the alternator won't much affect the lifetime of the car. Just get the best you can afford.
"The battery is only reading 11V–12V while the car is running. I replaced the tensioner and belt 4,000 miles ago, and the battery terminals are clean and tight. Is there a 90% chance the alternator is bad, or could it still be just the alternator fuse?"
The battery is only reading 11V–12V while the car is running.
that's too low
Is there a 90% chance the alternator is bad, or could it still be just the alternator fuse?"
Yes. It could be the fuse or even the cable connection on the alternator. You can test this by measuring the voltage on the alternator positive stud.
I would still get the entire system tested just to make sure it's not a bad battery cell or something.