Ok, so I searched the pointy board and I found alot of threads but no explination of what it is or how to fix it. I have a whine coming from my engine compartment, it is a very faint whine. It is not related to engine speed, or vehicle speed; but when I use something that draws power (I.E. radio, blinkers, power windows . .) the wine changes slightly in pitch. I am thinking that this is my alternator. I plan on going to autozone to have it checked, but is this a serious problem? I am coming home in a week, and don't want my car to die in the middle of nowhere. Thanks