Alternator/Regulator Check 2002 Grand LE

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

3.3 Engine

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.

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!

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!

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.

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 :)