not sure if its ur alternater...i have had the same problem not too long ago...the e-brake light was on and i let it go for a week or so thinking the button was stuck, i had no time to fix it since i have class everyday of the week...one day (friday to be exact) i was pulling out of campus and i had no brakes the brake pedal went straight to the floor

...luckly the guy i work with looked at my car and he said i had a leak or an oozing comming from my master cylinder and i had NOOO brake fluid...this meaning i had air in my brakes and i had to have them bled...so bro...i suggest u get ur ladies car checked out by someone who knows somthin about brakes...i agree with the guy above..its prob the master cylinder..