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Chrysler Repair/Battery discharging

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Expert: - 11/23/2011


Question
Just replaced battery in our Town and Country.  Drove 100 miles, battery dead again.  Removed alternator and tested fine putting out 14 volts.  Other suggestions on what may be wrong.

Answer
Hi Cathleen,
I would be believe, if the battery discharge light was not 'on' while you were driving and also if the voltage gauge read normally, then there may well be a short circuit that is drawing excess current from the battery when you aren't driving. If you truly took the alternator out to test it, then it could have been that the drive belt for it was slipping so that it wasn't putting out 14v when you were running it earlier. It has to be one or the other.
This is important: Was the battery immediately dead when you ended the 100 mile drive? Or was it dead when you tried to start it later and if so how much later?
So after you charge the battery look at the gauge and the warning light. If that is ok, then you have a short circuit that is draining the battery. Tell me the year and engine in the vehicle so I can tell you about how to check for a short. Do you have a volt-ohm-milliamp meter you can borrow or buy?
Roland

Chrysler Repair

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Roland Finston

Expertise

I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

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Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

Awards and Honors
"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

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