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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
88
Dodge Mini Ram Van, Battery Problems
Q: I stopped to pick someone up, turned
off the engine on my '88 Dodge Mini Ram Van and turned on my four ways
but when I tried to start the van, it wouldn't start. So I got someone
to jump start it, but once I let off the gas, the engine died and would
not restart. So the guy left the cables on and let it "charge up
the battery" and it started again with the same problem except it
would start again each time but would not hold the charge. So I took the
battery out and recharged it on my battery charger but it wouldn't start
the van when I hooked it back up. Someone told me it could be the sensor,
the battery, the alternator or the alternator belt. Jeez, I am confused.
Can you tell me what it could be by my description of the problem? I don't
know whether to buy a battery, alternator or what else. Any help would
be greatly appreciated......Signed Baffled and Confused
A: It
doesn't matter whether your vehicle was built and 1938 or 1988, a sound
battery and electrical connections are what's needed to make a starter
work. Once the vehicle is running it is up to the charging system to replenish
the battery and maintain the vehicle's electrical system. You may have
two different problems, a battery problem and charging system problem.
But never jump to any conclusions. Replacing parts on a guess nowadays
is too expensive. Be sure the battery that you are installing is fully
charged and that the connections to the starter are clean and free of
corrosion. If the vehicle still doesn't start, you may be better off having
a technician diagnose the condition so you can perform the proper repairs.
Once the vehicle is running have the condition of your charging system
checked.
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