i have a 1994 dodge dakota 5.2 v8 and when i start the truck it gives me trouble and sometimes acts like the batterys dead also when im at a stop sign with the headlights on or any time i use the turn signals my voltage gauge flickers back and forth, ive tested the battery and the terminals, any suggestions?

 

Did you test your battery while it was under load (fan blowing, headlights on, etc) or while the truck was turned off?
Also, you should get the alternator checked while your at it

 

no i took the battery out and had it tested, but yea the alternator was my next guess, dumb question how would i go about checking the alternator? would a faulty alternator cause erratic idle as well?

 

Your truck is actually not powered by the battery when you're actually driving then yea I'd look at your alternator as the likely issue. The battery is just for starting and a back up when your alternator dies.

The best way to get your alternator checked is to get a shop to look at it IMO since they have the big fancy load testers that most of us DIYers simply can't afford. But inspect your all your battery and alternator cables for corrosion just to be safe.

Also your volt gauge flickering when you use your turn signals is normal I think. Mine does it also and I have a brand new battery, starter, and a perfectly fine working alternator.

 

Definitely check the alternator. If it needs to be replaced, charge up the battery good before hooking up the new alternator.