1997 Dodge Caravan Driving with a bad alternator

Tiny
ROB BINGAMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 16,000 MILES
I'll be driving the van in for alternator replacement later today in light to medium traffic. It's about 28 miles including freeway if I take the quicker route - 40 minutes; or about 19 miles and 45 minutes by the shorter route. The alternator isn't charging at all. What's the better way to drive - faster, slower; longer, shorter? The battery is brand new (34N), about 900 CCA, and I don't remember the reserve rating.
Thursday, June 19th, 2008 AT 11:43 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Use the route with Less traffic
less stop and go and easier to get help if needed
make sure you don’t use any power
if possible no radio and no lights no AC or heat
its a risk you taken
have it towed and or repaired

if the battery is fully charged you could drive over an hour and still make it.

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Thursday, June 19th, 2008 AT 12:07 PM

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