I was driving and the gauge said around 12ish volts, then I noticed my lights got brighter and the gauge bounced around 14 volts, and would kinda dip down and up a bit, then eventually go back to around 12.

The Gauge usually reads a steady 12 volts.

Is this a sign that my alternator is going out? Or is it a bad ground?

 

Nobody?

 

The probelm you describe is typical of worn alternator brushes. May also be a failing regulator. However, before i go buy a replacement, I would check the Battery cables and connections, and all wiring and connections to the alternator. Note: the alternator grounds through its frame to the engine. The wires to the unit are all power, they should each illuminate a test light with the key on, engine off.

 

Mine did that, lights flickered a bit and gauge moved some - alternator was overcharging. Any auto parts store can test alternator in the car for free (AZ/Advance/Oreilly/etc.) - go have it tested.

 

wrong hole