2003 Other Dodge Models alternator, serpintine belt

BEAVISCLEAVIS

MEMBER
2003 DODGE
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

My battery light has been coming on and off for a few weeks now and my car squeals every time I start it for a minute or so.I would like to know if you think it is the belt or the alternator. My car also sat because of a transmission problem for six months and I am sure that didn't help the battery either! It still slips pulling away in first and the same in reverse. The rest of the gears seam ok. What are the most practical steps to get it back on the road with the best chance of success!ALT VS BELT or both?And what causes the slip in first and reverse and how serious is that and how easily can it be remedied?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Make sure the belt tensioner is doing its job. Is the belt tight enough? Chances are it is just the belt. As far as the trans, the low reverse clutch pack sounds like it is a problem. The only fix is most likely replaceing the clutches in it. At that point, you may as well rebuild the trans. Make sure the trans is full. If you haven't serviced it for sometime, you may want to service it with a new filter.