I have a 2001 Grand Caravan Sport 3.3 just had alternator replaced now the dashboard gauges and lights go crazy and van occasionally does not know when to shift and loses power when trying to accelerate. Any ideas?

 

Bad alternator. Loose/corroded battery/alternator connections. Disconnect the negative battery cable and let it set for 30 minutes. Check alternator output. Should see 13-14 volts at the battery terminals with the engine running. None of this was happening before the change correct?

 

That is correct none of this was happening before.

Also just as a follow the lack of power would be cause by this also?

 

If the alternator isn't charging the battery, That will cause a lot of your problems. It doesn't matter if the part you replace was a reman or a new part. They good bad too.

 

First off thanks for the suggestions. I have checked the connections, they checked good and voltage from the alternator is correct. Here is a more detailed list of the symptoms.

Starts and idles normally gauges and turn signals function normally.

When under driving load van has no or loses power when accelerating or going up hill.

While driving if I turn on the directional or four-ways dashboard gauges stop functioning and dashboard goes black/blank.

Sometimes a slight smell of fuel.

This was not happening before the alternator was replaced.

Any and all help will be appreciated.

 

Pretty clear to me you need another alternator bar a connection or wire harness you may have damaged in the process of changing the alternator.