My volt gauge read low while driving when I first bought it and found out it was the pigtail located on top of alternator..it was disconnected from the hardness that sits up along the engine. So I reconnected it and drove fine, 14 volts for a year.
Now its doing the same thing, I redid the connections and sitting at 11volts roughly while running, lights fading on and off. Barely starts
Any suggestions? Thanks

 

Probably need a new alternator. Look into the beefed up truck version.

 

I would definitely check the wiring to the alternator again. Over the course of a year, something might have loosened up or something. When the alt goes out, it does wierd stuff like guages flipping out,etc. Just worth checking into even tho you redid it. Or even follow the wires up and look for a short (insulation worn and bare wiring showing, etc).

 

Why? They work the same, aren't any more durable, and don't last any longer.

 

+1. Having the alternator tested will also help point to what's going on, but the act of taking it out could mess up the exciter wire more, if that's what the problem is.