1997 Dodge Caravan Battery Not Charging Fix

1997 DODGE CARAVAN
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DOITYOURSELFER
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  • 2 POSTS
3.3L V6 with 136,000 miles. Van has been good. Recently I purchased a device from Harbor Freight which was supposed to retain computer settings when battery is disconnected. I used it to do work on a starter which failed intermittently. That trouble was easy since it was only a loose connection. When I reconnected the battery the charge light indicator stays on. I have had the alternator checked good twice. Sometimes it will charge after reassembly but only at about 13.4 volts with battery already at 13.o after charger time. Then, it will fail within 5 minutes. Possible PCM problem? Any input would be appreicited.
Mar 25, 2007 at 8:02 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Did you get any sparks doing the starter? The ignition wire to the starter may be the problem...
Mar 31, 2007 at 3:55 PM
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DOITYOURSELFER
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[quote:71f52b858c="merlin2021"]Did you get any sparks doing the starter? The ignition wire to the starter may be the problem...[/quote:71f52b858c]

There were no sparks since the battery was disconnected and only a 9v battery was used in the tool used to save the computer settings. I have since resolved the problem. Though the alternatr tested good two times at two different shops the brushes were bad and replaced. All is well now. Thanks and hope this fix adds to the history for others to consider when facing this issue.
Apr 9, 2007 at 12:14 PM

Suggested Repair

Replace the worn alternator brushes. The alternator had tested good twice, but bad brushes were the cause; after they were replaced, charging returned to normal.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan stopped charging after battery work, with the charge light staying on. The alternator tested good twice and only briefly charged at about 13.4 volts before failing. An expert asked about starter sparks and the starter ignition wire, but the owner later found the alternator brushes were bad. Replacing the brushes resolved the charging problem.

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