Trhamilton, You should check past posts for information on checking your regulator. There might be model/year specific information which will help you find youy problem quickly. I always switch over to an alternator setup with internal regulation as it reqires less parts, less wiring, and cleans up my firewall. Dan, I always use the neg. for this kind of testing as it is the ground side (usually). So if I move a wire against a ground I don't get a big spark and don't have to go change my underwear (if I'm wearing any).