danielv

Pay close attention to battery layout, battery poles are close to one side, and that side needs to face towards you as you're putting battery in the tray in the wheel well, the positive pole needs to be on the left side, if you try to use a battery that has the positive pole on the right-hand side, the wires won't reach. I learned the hard way to not try to move the battery cables around as this apparently put stress on the harness and now I get to either repair it or get a different wiring harness... I learned at the junkyard that this harness goes all over the motor, so it's very involved. I shouldn't have messed with the battery cables. Also, regarding battery sensor, be very careful to undo gently, so you don't break it. On installing I learned to tighten the 10mm bolt with battery on the bench, with the electrical connector facing straight back, more or less. Replaced alternator with Dixie reman unit, looks like brand new. I've learned to take out unit with some rope attached or bungie cord so it doesn't fall when last of three bolts come out. On installing alternator, it goes fairly easily if you tighten the top two 13 mm bolts just a little, then put in the bottom bolt I was able to torque the bottom bolt to about 18 ft. /lbs., but not the top two bolts.

2011 Dodge/Ram Truck Journey R/T AWD 3.6L FI FFV DOHC 6cyl, old Grand Caravan Hi everyone. I am trying to learn automotive mechanics , maintenance. Primarily concerned about the Journey for now. Need to replace the alternator, pretty sure the battery needs to be replaced. Costco carries one 86FT battery, no other 86's, according to one tire tech I spoke with, for a lot cheaper than NAPA. I actually have a good battery from the Grand Caravan on the bench, but I estimate the BCI 26 battery is about 1- 1/16" too wide (long) for the Journey, I figure I should at least try to see if it would fit. I need to also research the difference between 86 and 86FT designation re: BCI specifications. I only see BCI group 86 at the battery council international web site chart, no 86FT. The old Caravan loses little pieces and would like to know how to inhibit rusting, or if it's even viable. This goes way beyond undercoating, which would be costly, might consider buying some cans of underspray at the auto parts store. I was even wondering if there's a way to just somehow reinforce the body, maybe I should re-watch old Mad Max movies (joking). So if I understand correctly, it's good to test alternator and battery when acquiring a used vehicle and then periodically to prevent having to replace something unnecessarily, perhaps. Preventative maintenance is a good thing.