charging issue (i think)
#1
02-10-2006, 01:01 AM
charging issue (i think)
hi i have a 89 dodge caravan and recently ive been noticing some issues. driving down the road at night with the lights on, the lights would go dim including the lights in the IP, and all of a sudden it would just become very bright. so we go and check it out and take the alternator to the local part store to have them check it out and everything passed. so we buy a new battery and now the problem is gone. the problem we are still having though is that the battery doesnt seem like its giving it all or isnt being charged. the lights are still dim and the meter is below what it usually would be. what could be the problem? car sounds a lot different than it used to as well. any help would be appreciated. thnx
#2
02-10-2006, 03:09 AM
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RE: charging issue (i think)
ORIGINAL: jimbeano
hi i have a 89 dodge caravan and recently ive been noticing some issues. driving down the road at night with the lights on, the lights would go dim including the lights in the IP, and all of a sudden it would just become very bright. so we go and check it out and take the alternator to the local part store to have them check it out and everything passed. so we buy a new battery and now the problem is gone. the problem we are still having though is that the battery doesnt seem like its giving it all or isnt being charged. the lights are still dim and the meter is below what it usually would be. what could be the problem? car sounds a lot different than it used to as well. any help would be appreciated. thnx
hi i have a 89 dodge caravan and recently ive been noticing some issues. driving down the road at night with the lights on, the lights would go dim including the lights in the IP, and all of a sudden it would just become very bright. so we go and check it out and take the alternator to the local part store to have them check it out and everything passed. so we buy a new battery and now the problem is gone. the problem we are still having though is that the battery doesnt seem like its giving it all or isnt being charged. the lights are still dim and the meter is below what it usually would be. what could be the problem? car sounds a lot different than it used to as well. any help would be appreciated. thnx
Measure the voltage on the battery with the engine running..it should be around 14+ volts. If it is near 12 then you are not charging and probably have a voltage regulator problem. check to see if you have a voltage regulator on the fender or firewall that looks like this. Replace it, can get at any auto parts store. I cant remember what year they went to the VR in the computer but it was around 1990. If thats the case then you'll need a new computer.[sm=headbang.gif]
#3
02-10-2006, 11:40 AM
#5
02-12-2006, 10:30 PM
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RE: charging issue (i think)
ORIGINAL: jimbeano
hi i have a 89 dodge caravan and recently ive been noticing some issues. driving down the road at night with the lights on, the lights would go dim including the lights in the IP, and all of a sudden it would just become very bright. so we go and check it out and take the alternator to the local part store to have them check it out and everything passed. so we buy a new battery and now the problem is gone. the problem we are still having though is that the battery doesnt seem like its giving it all or isnt being charged. the lights are still dim and the meter is below what it usually would be. what could be the problem? car sounds a lot different than it used to as well. any help would be appreciated. thnx
hi i have a 89 dodge caravan and recently ive been noticing some issues. driving down the road at night with the lights on, the lights would go dim including the lights in the IP, and all of a sudden it would just become very bright. so we go and check it out and take the alternator to the local part store to have them check it out and everything passed. so we buy a new battery and now the problem is gone. the problem we are still having though is that the battery doesnt seem like its giving it all or isnt being charged. the lights are still dim and the meter is below what it usually would be. what could be the problem? car sounds a lot different than it used to as well. any help would be appreciated. thnx
#6
02-13-2006, 01:52 AM
RE: charging issue (i think)
regulator seems like the likely cause. If the alternator tested out fine which if tested right included load testing it (which includes the regulator if it is an internal version) I would also look at the wires and terminals sthere could be a voltage drop somewhere along the system.
#7
03-22-2006, 10:09 AM
RE: charging issue (i think)
ok i ended up having a friend take it to a local electrical shop and have them check it out. im not sure what exactly they did but the cars working fine now and everythings being charged BUT the idle is just a little too high. is there a way I could fix it? or does that sound like something id have to take to a car shop to check out.
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#8
03-23-2006, 02:42 AM
