OK, 2005 NA 6speed coupe, daily driver with a year old Optima battery, the battery light just came on today. Was fine on the drive to the store but light came on when I cranked up. Got here turned off car and restart and light still on. Belt looks good, no squealing, 169k on the car so bad alternator or does the car have a voltage regulator too? To pull the alternator any surprises or a direct swap?

thanks
Dan

 

See if any codes have been set.
Batteries die and sometimes it is when they are new, so get it checked where you purchased it.
The regulator is mounted on the back of the alternator, so get the alternator checked at the same time as the battery.

Check that the cables are good and are not corroded, look for corrosion on the battery terminals and where they are attached to the grounds.

 

As to pulling the alternator, no problem, just don't forget to disconnect negative battery cable before you start.
It helps to remove the radiator fan, and if you can, nudge that kinda huge rolled pin to free up the pivot point.
Once unit is free, you can easily access the cables on the rear, and it will come out through the top.