Alternator? Van has been draining batteries and now wont start
Van has been draining batteries we've had to boost numerous times, also clicking noise when trying to start the van, probably because the battery is drained (no lights, music, etc). We could not reproduce the error for the CAA roadside tester other than to prove that the battery is dead. We've replaced 3 batteries in the last year. Finally someone suggested that our Alternator is on the blink. Eventually, the van died on the road with multiple chugging and sputtering noises and lost electronics and power. We can no longer start the beast. I've been told it will cost approx $700 to fix. Is this something we can repair ourselves?
Cars & Trucks - Plymouth - Voyager - 1999 Plymouth Voyager
Answers & Comments
Yes you can it's in a bit of a pain in the **** location but not very hard just a little time consuming
have you had someone put a meter on the alternator to confirm the no charge boost the van and if the batt is recieving 13+ volts the alt is working and the problem is somewhere else ,then the fun begins of finding out what is draining the batt.at that point you will need to find a cheep garadge because electrical is a slow and time consuming problem searching for the drain prob.
good luck
Jump start your van, with a volt meter check voltage at battery with engine running and jumper cable disconnected, you will be checking alternator out put voltage there, should have a reading of not less then 13.5 volt's, if less replace alternator, alternator is not hard to replace. two or three bolts is all that holds it in place, don't forget to disconnect battery before removing alternator.
Begin your just got your last battery with in a year, take it bad and have them warranty or charge your battery before doing the alternator test, good luck.