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Are you a recent EV buyer (past 3 months) as a result of manufacturer incentives and dealer discounts on these vehicles, including year-end deals? Were you convinced to buy an EV after finding a good end-of-year deal, or due to uncertainty around which EVs will no longer qualify for full/partial EV tax credits in 2024? A national business reporter is interested in speaking with you. Please reach out to [email protected] by 12/15 if interested in sharing your story.
My 2002 dodge grand caravan went crazy.

The headlights, flashers, wipers, radio, gauges all went on and off. It seemed like it was struggling to get fuel, and died. The battery was dead. I got a jump start and it kept shutting off while all the above problems recurring. I replaced the alternator, no fix. We have 4 children and I work so we need it running fast.
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Answers
An alternator can't charge a bad battery, and a good battery can only run the car so long with a bad alternator, or wiring.
If you can at least get the van running, perhaps a friend with a voltmeter can test if the battery is getting any charge at all. But again, if the battery has a dead cell, it might not accept a charge.
Most batteries that are 5-6 years old are running on borrowed time anyway.
Bad grounds, such as corrosion or loose cables, can cause such, as well as flickering dash/headlights. Another indicator is Tach & Speedometer climb all the way up, then drop, on startup. Solve with inspection, wire brush and white vinegar, tightening.