Ok...replaced the alternator today...and taught my son a few new words...took it to Advance Auto and they checked it out said it was putting out 13.5 volts and the battery was good...the P0520 code went away but the battery light is still on...the P0517 code is still there...but...I do not have the battery box in the car...the battery is just sitting on the metal floor...there is no box...if what I read is correct that box that goes around the battery has the sensor on it so mine obviously doesn't have the sensor...do you guys agree thats why the code and battery light is showing up?

On to the next issue to fix...looks like both the top and bottom motor mounts are shot...here's a pic of the top one...bottom one looks about the same...

 

I believe on the cars that didn't get the stupid battery sensor (2003 was apparently the only year....joy), the IAT performs the same function. Check that and it's wiring out.

 

Took the battery out today and the plug for the sensor is just sitting there empty...might go to a junkyard and see if I can find one...Auto Zone has one for $36 shipped...

 

Are there wires for a sensor though? Or a plug?

 

yes its a wired plug hanging behind the battery...looks like someone took the sensor off when they removed the battery wrap...

 

They must have carried it over to early 2004 models then, or it was 03/04 models. If you don't have the wrap, you can just zip-tie it close to the battery and it should be good to go.

 

The motor mount: Mine looks worse, but I don't notice any issues as far as the engine torquing. The rubber on mine is torn all to hell.