Audio interference

KGETZ

MEMBER
2013 DODGE CARAVAN
3.6L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
55,493 MILES

When I go to visit my parents, I take my portable DVD player in the car so I can listen to a movie on the trip. Anyway, there is a radio frequency interference coming from the alternator, and it gets to the point where I cannot even hear the movie. What can I do to resolve this? It is to the point where I set up my laptop with the blue-tooth (UConnect) so I can transmit the audio through the blue-tooth to avoid the "whine" caused by the alternator. What can I do to resolve this? I am stuck.

Thank You!

3 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,014 POSTS

Try running a jumper wire directly from the alternator housing to the battery ground terminal. Does the noise go away or is it still there? If it goes away check the ground strap to the engine from the chassis and the battery cable connections for corrosion. Also, check the alternator connections for corrosion.

Are you using an inverter or direct battery power to power the unit?

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Monday, March 5th, 2018 AT 7:38 AM

KGETZ

MEMBER
88 POSTS

I was using an auto power cord that plugs into one of the power ports. This is the second vehicle this has happened with. The other was an '03 Chrysler Voyager. With this year of Caravan, you need a lift to access the alternator.

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Monday, March 5th, 2018 AT 1:34 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,014 POSTS

No noise with the engine off correct? Try getting an adapter that you can clip to the battery terminals and see if you still get the noise with the engine running. If you do there are noise filters that can be put inline that should stop the noise If it is coming in on the power line and not true RF noise. I used to run a laptop in my service vans, those were all Caravans. Never had an issue, but I used a small inverter plugged into the power outlet and then the laptops charger brick to power the laptop. Not real efficient but it worked. Might work in your case.

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Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 AT 12:35 AM