Wow, thanks for such a detailed response! I now know so much more about the function of an alternator

I guess I forgot to mention that the car is a W140 1993 300SE . . . I hope the voltage regulator isn't integrated

I checked on FastLane and it has a separate voltage regulator listed for my car, so I am thinking that it isn't integrated (fingers crossed!)

I will definitely check the voltage of the battery tonight when I see the car. It would suck to wreck the $170CAN battery that I just bought 6 months ago too

I haven't really had any other weird electrical glitches yet. The only thing is that the "Low Windshield Washer Fluid" hazard light is on, and it didn't go off when I added a gallon of fluid . . .

Thanks for your help! It is greatly appreciated! And if you know whether or not he voltage regulator is nitergrated on my car, please let me know.

Regards,
Bryan