Toyota Repair: 1987 toyota 4runner charge/brake warning, light flickers, light flicker

Question
Hi.  I have an 87 4-runner and had my oil and filter changed last week.  After it was changed, the charge and brake light flicker on and off randomly and intermittently despite the vehicle running fine.  This occurred for one week.  Then suddenly my vehicle lost complete power on the freeway and broke down (lights dimmed slowly then engine stopped).  I could not put hazzard lights on or restart the car.  I had it towed to a mechanic the next morning and suddenly it worked normally, they couldn't find anything wrong on the diagnostics except a slightly weak alternator.  But, the car started and drove around without problems.  They offered to change the alternator, but my concern is that there is an electrical problems like a short in a wire rather than the alternator not working, given that it started fine the next morning.  Also, why does the battery light always go on at the same time as the charge light when it goes on?  Please help?  Thanks.  Shelly

Answer
First check your battery terminal connections.

The brushes in the alternator are worn out.Thats why the light flickers. If you hit a bump they may "pop"into place and start charging again.

The voltage feeds back and lights the brake light. No brake problem.
Replace or rebuild the Alternator.

Mike

Mike