I have a 99 Dakota, 5.2L V8. While driving the Volt Gauge drops slowly from 14 to 9. The lights dim and the engine chokes once and bucks the rear end once. Then the gauge goes back up to a solid 14V. A couple minutes later it does it again.
It started doing this very infrequently a couple of weeks ago. I had it in the shop and they said they couldn't find anything wrong. Now it's doing it more often.
Any tips on how to isolate the issue. Alternator, voltage regulator in the computer or battery? All of these are pricey parts and I would like to only replace the one thats bad if possible.
Thanks.
Joe

 

The voltage regulator is in the computer. But it hardly ever fails. Just replace the alternator. 98% of the time it is the alternator. If you truly want to test it check the stickys in this section for the service manual.