Temperature gauge and heater/ac fan fluctuating up and down

2014 DODGE CARAVAN
170,000 MILES
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THUNDERSOUL17
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My temperature gauge is fluctuating up and down. also my heater/ac fan speed is fluctuating. not sure if the started at the same time but they are both doing it within the last few days.
Sep 12, 2019 at 9:55 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

That sounds like a voltage issue. What I need you to do is check battery voltage when this is happening. See what the voltage at the battery is when the problem is happening and see if it is fluctuating. If it is, there may be an issue with either the alternator or the voltage regulator (which is internal on the PCM). I will explain that if needed.

Here is a link that shows how to perform the test. Basically, it is an alternator test. From the readings, we will know if the alt is the problem. It could be a ground issue, but lets start with this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Here are a few links that you may find helpful when testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

______________________

Do me a favor, also watch the headlamps to see if the brightness is changing.

Take care and let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
Sep 13, 2019 at 7:16 PM
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