Alternator/Regulator Check 2002 Grand LE

[lji]

Sorry if this question has been posted before....

I have a 2002 Grand Caravan LE, 135K miles. The battery is losing voltage. I put in a Sears DieHard Gold years ago.

Is there a test I can perform to check the alternator and voltage regulator?

Thanks

[lji]

3.3 Engine

[HeadlessHorseman]

The voltage regulator is part of the alternator. Make sure your battery cables are clean and tight. If you know your battery is losing voltage... connect a voltmeter to the battery leads... start the engine... the voltage should increase (usually between 13 - 14.5volts)... if it doesn't, then there is a replacement alternator in your future. If your alternator is OK, then a new battery is in your future.

[RIP]

HeadlessHorseman's alternator check will tell you a lot and it's easy to do. Beyond that, when you say you put a battery in years ago, if it's over 4 years old it's a pretty good bet the battery is toast. You can take your battery to just about any shop and have them do a load test. They might charge you a few bucks but then you know for sure if it's bad or not. Might be covered under the warranty. We would all like to know the fix. Cheers!

[lji]

Thanks for the responces. It looks like battery. First of all the battery fluid level was low by half in all plate chambers. Evaporation? Second, I started the car and voltage jumped to 14.5 almost instantly. Since adding fluid the battery seems strong (at least last night and this morning). I think I'll take it into Sears for a check.

Thanks again!

[HeadlessHorseman]

Just a side note... back in the "olden days" it was advisable to add only distilled water, not tap water, to a battery. Sounds like some so-called sealed or "maintenance-free" batteries require water from time to time.

It also sounds like your alternator is OK - that's good because replacement is a PITA.

Keep an eye on your battery. At night, leave your headlights on after you park your van and then turn it off. If there is a very noticeable dimming of the headlights, your battery could still be in a weakened state.

[lji]

Thanks again for the advice Headless, I'll try that tonight.

BTW, I used tap water in the battery, although it might have been filtered in Newark NJ