SOFT WHIRRING SOUND NEAR THE STARTER/ALTERNATOR AREA

REDCRU777

MEMBER
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
3.3L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

Hello,

This van has been sitting in the driveway for almost a year now and the battery had died over time.

I warm up the engine at least once a month via cable booster hooked to my other vehicle.

This morning, when I connected the cable, I heard a soft whirring sound coming near the engine front lower area (near the alternator/starter). Also, when I connected the cable, it sparks and the cable gets hot (like there's a shorted wire).

Please advice.

Thank you very much.

Rey

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Do you mean the jumper wires get hot? I ask because to a degree, which is normal. If the battery in the vehicle is completely dead, that can cause it.

As far as the noise, it could be the alternator trying to charge a drained battery. Is it loud enough for you to record and upload for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, April 26th, 2022 AT 1:50 PM

REDCRU777

MEMBER
81 POSTS

Hi Joe,

You're correct. I put in a new battery, and it was just one click. But there's another problem now, while the engine is running, the park and stop lights stay lit (the switches are on off position), and the door actuators keep locking and unlocking by itself.
Please advise how to remedy this.
Thank you.
Rey

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Saturday, April 30th, 2022 AT 4:48 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi Rey,

I need to ask a favor. We would be happy to help, but I need you to start a new thread on this topic. We try to keep the threads specific to one topic, so it is more helpful to others. I hope you understand.

Here is the link to start a new post/thread:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Just copy and paste your new question. I hope you understand. I will watch for your new question.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, April 30th, 2022 AT 8:02 PM