Most likely it IS an alternator problem. Sometimes a diode can go bad and the indicator light will come on. Other times the alternator will be intermittently bad or even go over-voltage.
In this case, you should take the vehicle to an auto parts retail store such as Auto Zone or Checker Auto or whatever is in your area. Many of those places offer free alternator diagnostic checkup and they're actually quite accurate. It could be a diode in the diode plate and the alternator is only producing about 1/3 of what it should, in which case you'll have problems under a high current load.
They will run somewhat hot while charging; if you put your battery in discharged however, that makes the alternator work much harder. A alternators job is to maintain the charge in a battery not to charge a discharged battery.Keep a eye on it, it will probably be OK once the the battery is topped off.
how do you replace the alternator in a 97buick skylark
instructions for replacing air filter on 1989 Buick Skylark 4 cylinder
you replace it by...hold on
It is built into the alternator
If it's properly connected, it's just worn-out. When you get it replaced, make sure you get a new one and not a rebuilt alternator. I had a brand new Bosch alternator put in my 1995 Skylark about 4 years ago and it's worked like a charm ever since.
I had the same problem with my 90 buick century, Replacing the temperature sensor did the trick, it is located above and behind the water pump.
The location of a water pump on a 1995 Buick Skylark 4 cylinder is next to the engine. It is found directly under the alternator.
Disconnect the Skylark's battery. Remove the starter's wiring then unbolt the starter. Slide the starter out. Wiggle the new starter back into the hole, and bolt up. Connect the wiring, then reconnect the battery.
flnd the positive battery cable fallow it down to the starter
It's behind that gray colored housing on the firewall, right near the alternator.
To replace the water pump on a 1998 Buick Skylark with a 3100 engine, start by disconnecting the negative battery cable and draining the coolant. Remove the serpentine belt, then detach any components obstructing access to the water pump, such as the alternator or power steering pump. Unbolt the water pump from the engine, clean the mating surfaces, and install the new pump with a new gasket. Finally, reassemble everything, refill the coolant, and reconnect the battery.