Happy to hear that because that means you likely have a real common problem with worn brushes in the alternator. To verify that, measure the voltages on the two small wires that plug into the back of it. You MUST make those measurements with the engine running, otherwise they will both have 0 volts with just the ignition switch turned on.
One of those wires will have full battery voltage. The other one is the key. It must have less than battery voltage but not 0 volts. If you find 0 volts, the brushes are open. If you find the exact same voltage on both wires, there is a break in the dark green wire between the alternator and the voltage regulator in the Engine Computer.
I never replaced the brushes on an Intrepid, but that can be done on the older Caravans without removing the alternator from the engine. If it comes to that, I can describe it and post pictures. The brush assembly costs around $15.00. I get mine from a local rebuilder. I don't know for a fact, but I suspect they are available from the dealer too. This applies to the little silver Nippendenso alternator which I'm pretty sure is what you have.
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 11:45 PM
