1998 Dodge Caravan dash light

CARL CAREY

MEMBER
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
200,000 MILES

New battery, new starter, pulled out altanator had two stores test it passed on all tests they said does not need to be replaced put back on. Started the van and light is still on. In the morring start the van red battery is off and chargeing for about 30mins. Then ping red light back on and running off my battery again checked wireing can not find out what it is. THANK YOU CAN YOU HELP?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,755 POSTS

You have an intermittent problem and the testing has to be done while it is occurring. There's no way to know that with it on a test bench. Normally alternators need to be tested on the vehicle to be accurate but in this case you likely have worn brushes. You can verify that by measuring the two voltages on the two smaller wires on the back of the alternator. Those have to be taken while the engine is running. One will have full battery voltage. The other one must have less but not 0 volts. Typically you'll find between 4 and 11 volts.

My bet is when the light turns on you will find 0 volts on the second wire. If you have 12 volts on the first one that is proof the brushes are worn. The assembly costs about ten bucks. I've replaced them on '95 and older Caravans without removing the alternator from the engine. I don't know if you can do that on a '96 and newer model.