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Get a good digital volt meter.Set the meter to DC volts at the 20 V range. Start and run the unit at 1500 RPM. Use the probes of the DVM on the battery posts. 13.6 to 14.0 Volts indicates the regulator operating. If lower suspect that the battery is low on charge, the alternator belt is loose or there is a bad diode in the alternator. If the voltage is higher than 14.0 V assume the regulator is bad and needs to be replaced. To check for bad diodes set the meter to AC Volts at the lowest range available (5V should do). Probe the battery, an AC reading greater than about 150-200 milli-Volts indicates a shorted diode. To test the regulation further run accessories (headlights etc.) to make sure the alternator maintains 13.2 Volts or greater. Lower voltage under load can point to a problem with the regulator or alternator.

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Q: How to Test voltage regulator on 1981 f150?
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