All gauges and lights flicker

2005 DODGE CARAVAN

158,000 MILES • 3.3L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

AFB75501

MEMBER
2 POSTS
FOLLOW

Started with slight flickering of all interior and exterior lights then gauges started going crazy and now sometimes won't start like it has a dead battery.. what could cause this?

Mar 21, 2020 at 8:07 AM

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JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
110,190 POSTS

Hi,

I have to be honest, it sounds like the alternator went bad. Lets start simple. First, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

Since it won't start now, charge the battery so you can start the engine.

Once it is running, we need to check alternator output which is very easy to do. All you will need is a multi meter or volt meter.

Here are links that explain how to do the things I need you to do first:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

If you have already done that, let me know and we'll move on.

Take care,
Joe

Mar 21, 2020 at 10:02 AM

AFB75501

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Took it to AutoZone and he tested it with a meter but did not have me turn on headlights or A/C,said the alternator was good. but I think he might not have done the test right.

Mar 21, 2020 at 11:55 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
110,190 POSTS

Do you have a multi meter? It's simple to do. The interesting thing with this vehicle is it is regulated through the power-train control module. Most alternators have an external or internal regulator. So, the alt may be good but the regulator (in PCM) may be starting to fail.

Try it and let me know the readings you get.

Joe

Mar 21, 2020 at 6:05 PM