2003 Chrysler Town and Country Corrosion Fix

2003 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
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HJH
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  • 3 POSTS
I have a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country with 62k mi. that has had 3 batteries replaced since new. The battery gets a corrosion on the positive terminal (usually within 2-4 weeks of prior cleaning on 2 month old battery) and has eaten through the positive battery cable on one occassion and through the positive terminal connector at another time. The dealer has not been able to find the cause. Just keeps replacing batteries/cables. I would appreciate any help you can offer?

Thanks, HJH
Oct 26, 2006 at 7:34 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
I would have the charging system checked. The problem points to a voltage regulator. It should charge at 13 to 17 volts but the problem is that it may not stop charging when it should and overcharges the battery. This can cause cabling problem as well. If the charging system doesn't come out as bad, there are after market materials and treatments to help prevent the corrosion.
Oct 26, 2006 at 9:18 AM
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HJH
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Thank you very much for your quick response to my question. The charging system has been checked twice and is supposed to be working properly. I have a multimeter and will check the voltage myself. Should it read 12 volts when the alternator shuts off? Also could you please tell me what/where I can find the after market items you mentioned, in case the alternator is working properly? Could this also be caused by some type of short or ground problem?

Thanks Again, really appreciate your assistance.
HJH
Oct 27, 2006 at 12:01 AM
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HJH
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[quote:4a1a4fe799="HJH"][quote:4a1a4fe799="Bruce Hunt"]I would have the charging system checked. The problem points to a voltage regulator. It should charge at 13 to 17 volts but the problem is that it may not stop charging when it should and overcharges the battery. This can cause cabling problem as well. If the charging system doesn't come out as bad, there are after market materials and treatments to help prevent the corrosion.[/quote:4a1a4fe799]

Thank you very much for your quick response to my question. The charging system has been checked twice and is supposed to be working properly. I have a multimeter and will check the voltage myself. Should it read 12 volts when the alternator shuts off? Also could you please tell me what/where I can find the after market items you mentioned, in case the alternator is working properly? Could this also be caused by some type of short or ground problem?

Thanks Again, really appreciate your assistance.
HJH[/quote:4a1a4fe799]
Oct 28, 2006 at 12:46 AM
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Suggested Repair

Have the charging system and voltage regulator tested for overcharging. Charging voltage should be about 13 to 17 volts and should stop when it should; continued charging can damage the battery, cable, and terminal. If the charging system tests normal, use aftermarket terminal treatments to help prevent corrosion.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country reports three battery replacements and rapid corrosion at the positive terminal that has eaten through the positive cable and connector. The dealer has not found the cause. The expert recommends checking the charging system and voltage regulator for overcharging, and using aftermarket corrosion-prevention treatments if charging tests normal. The owner says charging was checked twice and asks about resting voltage, product sources, and a possible short or ground; those follow-ups were not answered.

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