kjselv
07-07-2007, 05:30 PM
I have a 1994 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3ltr. We just bought this van in april. The van has been running fine for the most part. My husband installed a aftermarket store bought stereo and amp. At that time the Dash lights went out. Checked all the fuses and everything was fine. Could not get to the light to get the size and replace it. So it of course is still out.
Then a couple months later the power windows sometimes would not go up or down kinda like they are possessed. lol. Still have no clue what that problem is. But only happens once in a while.
Then last week the check engine light came on sometimes. Since we have had cars before where the check engine light was stuck we did not think too much about it. We were going to take it to Autozone and do their free diagnostic on the 5th. Well on our way to take the kids to see the fireworks. The van started jumping then I felt I needed to pull over immediately. The radio then went off on it's own at that time. So we pulled over and turned the van off. My husband went and opened the hood. He then unplugged the amp from the battery. And asked me to start the van. It made that clicking noise like the battery was dead and needed a jump.
So we called AAA and they came. The guy jump started the engine and as long as the jumper cables were attached to my van and his tow truck the van stayed started. Once we unplugged them the lights went dim and the van died within seconds. We tried a few more times to keep it started no luck.
So we ended up having the van towed.
My assumption is... The reason the check engine light was on was because the alternator was not working at that time. And basically we were running off of just the battery.
Well now since the van is not moving. The only way that we can test the alternator is to have it taken out. So my husband and my father tried to get it out of the engine. They were able to get it loose. But be darned if every spot they tried to remove it from the engine was too small. Due to the fact of this stinkin mounting bracket. My husband then removed the power steering fluid holder out of the way. But not unattached. Just moved. Then he ended up taking off the A/C hoses. Nope still not enough room. He tried to go through the bottom but nope would not fit. I read that you could take off the splash guard from the right wheel well but the tow guy put my van too close to the curb for that.
Any suggestions are helpful. How in detail can we get the alternator out and also do you happen to have any suggestions on any other possible problems?
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I need to get my van fixed as soon as possible. I am 9 months pregnant and going to have this baby anytime. I need my van like yesterday :help: We do not have a repair manual. But I keep suggesting to my husband that it would be a wonderful idea to purchase one.
Hugs,
Krystal :D
Then a couple months later the power windows sometimes would not go up or down kinda like they are possessed. lol. Still have no clue what that problem is. But only happens once in a while.
Then last week the check engine light came on sometimes. Since we have had cars before where the check engine light was stuck we did not think too much about it. We were going to take it to Autozone and do their free diagnostic on the 5th. Well on our way to take the kids to see the fireworks. The van started jumping then I felt I needed to pull over immediately. The radio then went off on it's own at that time. So we pulled over and turned the van off. My husband went and opened the hood. He then unplugged the amp from the battery. And asked me to start the van. It made that clicking noise like the battery was dead and needed a jump.
So we called AAA and they came. The guy jump started the engine and as long as the jumper cables were attached to my van and his tow truck the van stayed started. Once we unplugged them the lights went dim and the van died within seconds. We tried a few more times to keep it started no luck.
So we ended up having the van towed.
My assumption is... The reason the check engine light was on was because the alternator was not working at that time. And basically we were running off of just the battery.
Well now since the van is not moving. The only way that we can test the alternator is to have it taken out. So my husband and my father tried to get it out of the engine. They were able to get it loose. But be darned if every spot they tried to remove it from the engine was too small. Due to the fact of this stinkin mounting bracket. My husband then removed the power steering fluid holder out of the way. But not unattached. Just moved. Then he ended up taking off the A/C hoses. Nope still not enough room. He tried to go through the bottom but nope would not fit. I read that you could take off the splash guard from the right wheel well but the tow guy put my van too close to the curb for that.
Any suggestions are helpful. How in detail can we get the alternator out and also do you happen to have any suggestions on any other possible problems?
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I need to get my van fixed as soon as possible. I am 9 months pregnant and going to have this baby anytime. I need my van like yesterday :help: We do not have a repair manual. But I keep suggesting to my husband that it would be a wonderful idea to purchase one.
Hugs,
Krystal :D