Alternator bad?

Computer controlled circuit for the alternator? Are you meaning the relay for the power or testing it within the ecm? Could you clarify for me Rasmataz.

Hello and thank you in advance. Please help I'm at my wits end!
I purchased my 04 Ford Focus a year ago, it ran great and checked out good with a Goodyear shop. About 2 months later the key wouldn't turn. I quickly figured out if I lightly tapped it with something it would turn and started perfectly. I ordered a new key assembly and keyed it myself so that I wouldn't have to purchase new chip keys. I couldn't find anyone that would replace it for me so I kept a little hammer in my car and did that for about 4 months until I found someone. During that time, I noticed my lights started flickering and I had some power problems. When the mechanic replaced the key assembly, he also said that the alternator was going bad so he replaced it. The driving problems got better but the lights never stopped flickering. 3 months later, the driving problems (weakness, jerking) returned and I stopped at auto zone to have them check the codes if any. They tested the battery and said it's perfect but the alternator is going bad again. So I purchased my own alternator amd had a new mechanic replace it. I also bought the pigtail wires for it but returned them because the mechanic said he tested the wires and they were fine. After the 2nd alternator, it again had power and drive great- FOR 3 MONTHS. I again had it tested. Alternator bad again. After the 3rd alternator, I checked all grounding wires I could find (looked good) and I had him replace a broken purge value that we noticed. Exactly e months later, alternator bad again. Battery checking out fine. I also have turned the test mode on and it shows the battery around 13-14 while I drive. When the alternator goes bad I know it's about to act up by a constant clicking sound in the dashboard, and if I turn the car off and back on, sometimes it's fine again for the entire ride. Also during this entire time, the lights have never stopped flickering and the radio will randomly turn off/on.
Do you have any ideas as to why my alternator will only last 3 months? I've asked so many shops yo look at it and none of them want to diagnose electrical issues. Ive spent over $2000 trying to fix this and nobody hss the answer. The reason I mentioned the key issue is, could the tapping have damaged something that would cause this problem?
Any input is greatly appreciated.

WoW this will be incredible if it's the answer because 1) I've asked probably 20 times 'are you sure I shouldn't replace the battery?' And 2) that is EXACTLY the code that was thrown off in the very beginning- faulty voltage regulator. I will change the battery ASAP and let you know if anything changes. If this is it I will be doubling my donation to you

Before I replace the battery I want to add something. Half of my dashboard lights are extremely dim. As if one side of it has a bulb out, and the only light keeping it visible is the residual light from the other half that is bright. Could an out bulb be causing this issue?

Okay sorry last thing. These are a few random. Things that may be related.
1) the car had obviously been in some kind of collision involving the driver side door, because the side mirror is attached a little weird like it was replaced, and I can't have the window down when opening the door or I will hear glass grinding glass like the window is misaligned in there and will break.
2) I've never had a horn. It just clicks when I push it.
3) I've checked all fuses and they appear intact and normal.
4) the symptoms are no different with the radio off or car charger unplugged, lights still flicker and engine weakness.
5) the fuel filter has been replaced.
6) SOMETIMES it won't start without me giving it a little tap of gas. But not often.
7) the stereo is an alpine and the person before me had an amp but it no longer has that

Just came upon your post, not sure if the problem was ever found. But I own a 2004 focus, and it sounds like the kind of things I just started to experience. Thought rats got into wiring harness. No, nothing found. Was told I need to have the whole dash replace. Guess the focus is one known to have that problem.

2004 Ford Focus SE Sedan, had its first new battery put in 6 weeks ago, then 2 weeks ago, was driving and the car full on died while driving (pardon me, I know little about car mechanics), no electricity, nothing. Had it towed to my mechanic to get it checked out. Alternator went bad, had that replaced. A week ago, go out to start my car and nothing. It's so dead I can't unlock it with my remote.

Called AAA again, they sent the same battery guy out, and he tested it and said the battery is fine so the new alternator must be no good. Called the mechanic and told him what was going on, he towed our car back to his shop, tested alternator and battery, couldn't reproduce the problem. He and his guys kept randomly starting it, and finally, one time they went out, it's completely dead again. He calls us and tells us the battery is bad.

So I've got a battery guy telling me the alternator is bad, I've got a mechanic telling me the battery is bad. So AAA sends out another battery guy to where my car is at the mechanic, he runs diagnostic and says it's not the battery and not the alternator, he suggested something about an intermittent short of some kind. My car is 7 years old, it's got just under 52,000 miles on it, and I'm hoping to not have to drop money in to diagnostics for someone to tell me it's going to cost more to replace than the car is worth.

Help please? Thanks so much!
- C in WA State

Hello, I changed my alternator and the battery at the same time and the battery light comes on and off, I got a mechanic to test the alternator and the alternator isn't good, then I we got a new one and it was tested good, before putting on car, the alternator was put on the car and battery light comes on again in sporadic times, I was told that this alternator turn. What can be the problem I ve spent alot of money and I just dont know what to do, can u pleas help?

When you say charging system cables what are they
battery cables or the cables that go to alternator

Thank you for your help!

Car clicks real fast when key is turned to the on position, and won't do anything any suggestions died and shorted and died on the way to work, starter, alternator, and battery tested good any suggestions?