another dumb question

[crash davis]

pulled the fuse to the intermittent switch that was causing my battery to drain down. Recharged the battery with a battery charger and starts ok now, but I noticed after a few drive arounds today that the voltage is lower than when I put the battery in new a week ago. Is it just that the battery needs more time to charge or could it be the alternator? I thought if the alternator was working properly it would show an increase in voltage when extra current is req (lights come on, etc.) Any quick and easy ways to know if its the alternator or should I just pull it out and have it tested.

I know this is basic for most people, like I said before not much of a mechanic but eager to learn. any info would be appreciated. 86 wag.

[PhilSine]

The gauge on your dash is an ammeter. It indicates how much current your system is drawing. If your battery is low then the needle will be further to the right as your alternator provides current needed to recharge it. As you battery becomes more charged the needle will come closer to the center of the gauge indicating less currebt draw. As you turn accessories on or off the needle will respond accordingly. If your alternator or voltage regulator (which is probably internal on your alternator) happens to crap out then a good indicator of this aside from the dimming headlights and dash lights is that the needle on the ammeter will be to the left of center.

[coolram]

If you have a multimeter check voltage with her off and it should be around 12.5vdc and then with it running between 13.2 and 14.5vdc.Then will give you a good idea if the alt is putting out.But you can also take her to Advance or utozone and they check them for free.