My alternator makes a horrible metallic sounding scraping noise whenever you put a load on the electrical system i.e. use the power windows, turn on the headlights, etc. even when you press on the brakes. I don't know much about how alternators work, but it doesn't sound good LOL. Is my alternator dying??

 

probably, is the belt too tight or loose? It should have a defection of about 1/2 inch I think.

you may want to have it checked out before you get stranded.