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A really basic test is this: if a good lead-acid battery (not excessively discharged and no shorted cells) has not been under charge or under load for a day or so, it will have a resting voltage of about 12.6V right on its terminals. That by itself is no indication of the condition of the battery or charging system. However, after you start the engine and bring it up to high enough rpm to give a bit of charge, that voltage will be higher than the resting voltage by a good volt or two. (Again, right at the battery terminals themselves, not the electrical lugs that connect to the terminals.) It should not vary much as you switch the headlights, apply the brakes, etc.
That's not a thorough test of the electrical system, but it provides basic confirmation that at least some charging is taking place.
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John
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