1997 Lincoln Continental

Ensure battery posts and cables are clean and tight. Check drive belt tension.
Ensure connections at generator, regulator and engine ground are clean and tight.
Check fuses and fusible links, replace as necessary.
Check condition of battery to see if battery has the ability to accept and hold a charge.
If battery capacity meets requirements, charge battery before proceeding with testing to ensure battery is fully charged.
NO-LOAD TEST
Connect voltmeter positive lead to B+ terminal on generator and negative lead to ground. Start and run engine at 1500 RPM with no electrical load (foot off brake and doors closed). Read voltmeter when voltage stabilizes. This may require waiting a few minutes. Voltage should be 13-15 volts.
If voltage increases to proper level, proceed and do a LOAD TEST. If voltage increases beyond proper level or If there is no voltage increase, suspect bad alternator