Ok,

Here's whats happening. The volt meter goes way above 13 volts. If I turn on the headlights, it stays around where it is supposed to be... either way, when I step on the brakes (brake lights come on), or turn on the blower full, or flash the high beams or anything like that, all the electrical stuff dims out for a second, the volt meter has dropped to below 8 volts twice, but the car still runs, my stereo keeps losing it's presets... and the battery seems fine. Also sometimes the Tach goes crazy jumping around when the voltage isnt right. Bad Alt yes? Where can I get one.. etc...



Thanks,



Brant

I would take it to a local parts store *autozone Pepboys ect...* and have them test it for you most places do it for free





or you can always do the old run the car and remove a battery cable... test and see if the car still runs with the bat disconnected



but that's not always accurate



as far as where to get one



Http://www.autozone.com

When you say drops for a couple seconds does it spike back up to the +13 range?



My guess would be it's the alternator, but keep in mind that disconnecting the battery lead won't tell you the alternator is bad in a case like this, the regulator (internal) is prolly shot, but you disconnect the bat you just got an alternator cranking 20 volts. In other words... have it tested.

Every component you've described uses the same fuse ( X-04 in the haynes).

I would look at that fuse for corrosion and/or a bad connection.

I would also use a voltmeter to test the voltage at the battery. If the voltages

are the same as the in-dash meter, then look into the charging system. If not,

look into the connections for the meter and fuses and stuff like that.

Haynes also shows a voltage regulator in the dash for the meters, it might

be what's causing the erratic voltages at the meter.



Raul