Battery light is on?

Yes another thing to do read codes and I am not sure the check engine light is functioning bulb may be out! That stupid dash system is hard to see!

They post other similar question I am reading them I know my van is similar to 1996 -2000 I think.

The battery light means the charging system has a problem, not the battery. First of all, use a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage across the two battery terminals while the engine is running. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is below 13.5, it will not fully charge the battery while driving.

If you do find low voltage, the most common cause is worn brushes inside the alternator. They can be replaced, in some cases without removing the alternator from the engine. Also check that the pulley is actually spinning. Since it was making noise, the bearings could be seized. Usually the belt won't last very long when this happens, and it could be related to the belt coming off.

Caradiodoc

Hi guys. I posted an answer to the other question. Worn brushes are a real common cause of intermittent operation. The assembly costs around ten bucks, and on some models can be replaced without removing the alternator from the engine. You might not find this at an auto parts store. Starter/generator re-builders will have the assembly.

Yah I thought of that wife sent it to garage so hope she likes the BILL!

Well it was just th alternator and by the symptoms likely just worn out brushes got hit with 300+ bill! I coulda did it for 40! So that wa lat friday THIS friday the BRAKES went OUT!

The brakes are buddies with the charging system and wanted to show their support for the alternator!

Rear steel lines rusted out. And thanks dodge for using unstandard FINE THREAD on 1 line and for the backwards mounted valve assembly combined almost guaranteeing a STRIPPED hole!

Yep quality engineering. Please let us know how it goes.

As temp fix I just capped the rear lines didnt even have to bleed the fronts!

That's not even a temporary fix. That's a rolling accident waiting to happen.

Actually the hidden rusty lines were also a rolling accident as you say as my wife experienced loss of braking power when they leaked! Think how many millions of drivers may be driving in the same condition!

Yes, and think of all the innocent people they may hurt because of their irresponsibility. That's why cars have bright red warning lights.

What I meant was there are rusting lines that have NOT leaked yet and so no indication is on the dash until suddenly they unexpectedly leak and lose braking power! Even so I think its rare that this actually causes an accident! And when the lines are hidden from view I would say many inspections dont reveal any problems! But there is NO way to prvent this unless manufacturers use stainless brake lines! Could even be GOV mandated!

This isn't a debate about how dangerous brake failures are. This is about the conscious decision to drive a vehicle on the highway knowing there are no rear brakes. That will land you in jail if anyone is hurt.
I don't intend to discuss this any further.

Yes well it was an economically driven decision cant fix back brakes until money and time is available. Cant go without use of vehicle until then. Not having back brakes poses no great risk except in some once in a million set of circumstances. The added stopping power of rear drum brakes is negligible. The fronts are incapable of locking the wheels under normal conditions.

Keep in mind almost all minivans have split-diagonal brake systems that put one front brake and the opposite rear brake on the same hydraulic circuit. I wasn't following this discussion, but if you have a leak in both rear brake lines, you won't have any brakes. That gets to be real hard on shoe soles when trying to stop like Fred Flintstone had to do!

And wouldnt cha know a grinding noise happens soon after! 1 inner pad has worn unevenly even though caliper guides move smoothly! And besides that the pads aint 6 months OLD! Sheesh another case of profit over quality!