1998 Dodge Caravan Dash lights and no start

210,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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RICKY BOBBY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had the instrument cluster replaced 20 months ago, and the battery replaced 18 months ago. It ran fine until last night. The red battery light came on, then the ABS light came on, then the dashboard first, then the lights slowly faded and the speedometer went to zero. Then the car bucked hard while on the highway a few times. I pulled over to make sure I had headlights. Not thinking, I had shut off the engine and I couldn't get it started again. I jumped it and it was hard to jump. It ran hard, sputtered and choked, and died.

Those are the syptoms. I was going to start with the battery, see what happens, then maybe get it analyzed for the instrument cluster, which was used, but in good shape at the time.
Oct 27, 2009 at 11:09 PM
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BMRFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 19,053 POSTS
You need an alternator



charge the battery until its fully charged
start engine and check charging system
check fuses and suspect bad alternator
Oct 27, 2009 at 11:25 PM
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