Hi here is the deal i am showing 12 volts on the battery when running should be 14... i changed the voltage regulator and switched back to older alternator still doing the same thing disconnect battery when runnin and wont run. it is running off the battery.hmmmm (the first sign i had was the gauge on the dash was low left and when i put on the brake the radio would cut out and then go back on....now i have no brake lights and lights in the rear. the front lights are ok)......is there a short? or what would be the first step? (COULD IT THE FUZABLE LINK?) Thanks Alex in Illinois

Don't disconnect the battery while the engine is running... you'll damage the voltage regulator. Actually, that's where Id begin looking. Make sure the housing is grounded and if it has a steel housing, it's probably mechanical. You can buy a direct-fit regulator that's electronic. Check your wiring connections. I have specs for what you should be reading with your multimeter, but cant find them at the moment. Oh, did I mention you can buy a good multimeter for about $30? Go and get one of those before you do anything. Otherwise, youre flying blind. They come with instructions on how to use them. You can also use a test light in a pinch to check for power, but they don't tell you voltage or resistance, and that's the information you really need when testing the charging system.

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I've been calling it as i see it for my entire life and that's not about to change. Take it or leave it.

Hi I have a new voltage regulator in there . what is the regulator? and are they common? thanks Alex