1997 Plymouth Breeze lost power

Intermittent charging problems on high mileage cars is usually caused by worn brushes in the alternator. They can be replaced separately, often without removing the alternator from the engine, but most people just replace the entire alternator.

If you can catch it while the problem is acting up, measure the voltage on the two small terminals on the back of the alternator. One must have full battery voltage, but it will only be there for two seconds after turning the ignition switch on, and again when the engine is running. The second terminal should have less than battery voltage, but not 0 volts. 4 - 10 volts is typical. If you find 0 volts while the engine is running, the brushes are worn.

Remember, it is normal and proper to have 0 volts on both terminals when the ignition switch is on but the engine is not running.

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