Alternator Trouble, Glowing with Fire Options

[Random_Stranger]

Ok so I am driving, noticed a burning smell. Traced the scent to my alternator. Now I am guessing it is the positive cable, as the wiring harness seems to be responsible for charging the battery. Anyways, I noticed that the little flat piece of metal that goes to the alternator was Glowing!!! It was burning the little rubber cap and I can see the bolt that secures it is charred as well. I am guessing this is not normal but I have no idea why this is happening and how it can be resolved. Any exact idea why this is and how I can fix it?

Thanks

[GriffGirl]

Get the alt tested at Autozone. Sounds like it's putting out too much - that would be a bad regulator (part of the alt). I just had my very brand new alt fail on me for the same reason. Exchanged it on warranty, right there in the parking lot, and so far so good on the new one. Be prepared to pull the alt to have it bench tested if the little plug-in tester thingie they use comes back okay.