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More then likely your alternator is bad...But it also depends on what year your vehicle is as well...if its older then it could be the regulator...this tells the alternator how much juice the battery needs...So if your battery is not fully charged then when you hit the lights they will dim and get bright...Best bet..change both battery and alternator..

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Q: Why does the check engine light come on and the alternator gauge jump up and down when the air or lights are on?
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