I changed the battery of my Chrysler Daytona three times in just a matter of two months. I presume that it's really not the battery that is problematic. What could it be?

Frequent battery replacement is usually caused by fast and excessive battery wear, a problem that will give you real headache. Oftentimes, though, the causes are simple glitches that car owners overlook. If, for instance, you weren't able to give attention to a loose fan belt, the battery will surely wear out fast because the alternator will not be able to work properly to have the battery charged. But if you checked the fan belt, you'll easily know that the needed solution is a little tightening of the said belt. Also, you might have not considered checking the number of accessories that could be overly straining the alternator. You will simply need to reduce the usage of those accessories, in case they are the ones causing the problem.

More complex alternator-related problems could also cause your battery to wear fast. The alternator may already be nearing the end of its life that is why it charges the battery poorly or that its diode has shorted and needs the assembly to be replaced. For these problems, it's best to trust an alternator specialist.

What happens when the alternator diode fails, and what should I do in order to prevent that from happening?

When an alternator diode fails, it creates a chain of effects among the diodes. If, for instance, one of the diodes burned due to excessive heat, the alternator voltage output will drop significantly. Lower voltage output will now stress the remaining diodes that are still working. When another one fails due to overloading, fewer diodes will have to handle the stress, subsequently causing all others to fail, one after another.

One way to prevent diode failure is by avoiding a jump start, because it reverses the current flow that allows heat from electricity to stop within the alternator and cause the diodes to burn. This happens when you place the negative cable of the jumper on the battery's positive terminal. The alternator diodes will also serve your Chrysler Daytona longer if you avoid installation of high electricity-consuming accessories.

What is the best way to extend the life of my vehicle's alternator? Please give me some tips.

The electrical system of your Chrysler Daytona depends on the condition of the alternator. And so, it is very essential to never take the alternator for granted, and give it the maintenance care that it deserves, especially that its bearings and diodes wear out much like the other car parts. A voltmeter can be of great help. It will tell you whether the alternator produces enough voltage output or not. Also make sure that the drive belts connecting it to the engine are not faulty or loose. And don't forget to ensure that the oil seal is not leaking in order to prevent the lubricant from reaching the alternator and cause it to burn.

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