Concerning the 1984 Dodge Caravan with 2.2 Liter engine -->

- is the Voltage Regulator INTERNAL or EXTERNAL to the Alternator ??

- Any idea if these replacement parts sold by AutoZone will actually work ?

https://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...03z/918286_0_0

https://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...83333_940503_0

AutoZone website says they work with this year of Caravan.

I suspect the Regulator or Alternator, because ammeter shows a strong discharge (far left) when headlights are on, but zero (center position) when headlights are off. Thanks.

 

It appears to be external, however, if your van is running fine without the headlights on, it sounds more like a potential short to ground in the headlight circuit.

With the engine running and ALL accessories and equipment off, check voltage at the battery - it should be 13 volts +/- 0.3 volts. Then turn on everything you can except the headlights (radio, ac, maybe engage the cigarette lighter or plug in a cell charger) and see what the voltage at the battery reads - it should be higher than the first reading.

If it’s higher, the VR is not likely the problem. Try disconnecting the headlights on both sides - if it still draws down the system voltage with the headlights disconnected, it’s most likely a problem in the wiring.