Well, I got stuck today. My lights (brake, etc.) were half lit while I drove around town, not on interstate. I parked the car, went into Starbucks, came back out, turned the key and it turned over twice and that was it. I called a tow truck, he jumped it and it started right up. When driving home the lights went off about 65 mph and came back on when I exited the freeway. I have a regulator on its way. I hope that's it. I bought a battery because a friend (former MB advisor) said it was for sure the battery. Of course, I didn't realize how difficult it is to get a battery into one of these machines. I couldn't get the air filter housing off. Must be a trick. I took all the nuts off and it still wouldn't come off. I guess I'll save the battery and see if the regulator does the trick. What a crappy day!!! UGH!!!