Twice in the last week, the Voltage light came on (No check engine light/OBD code). The first time, I lost the ability to accelerate and gauges went crazy for just a minute. Had to use emergency lane until it went back to normal. FInished the trip without additional problems and light went out. Had them test alternator/battery/starter at two different stores - results were perfect. Fast forward five days. Yesterday, I drove around town for over two hours running errands without a problem, but last night, left the house to go to the store and only went three blocks before the voltage indicator light came back on (again no check engine/OBD), and I lost the ability to accelerate and headlights. Pulled over, shut it off, wouldn't restart with everything turned off. Had my brother jump it, and I made it three blocks home (barely). Again, gauges going nuts. Dash lights did a couple of crazy on/off things with the key out of the ignition too. Let it sit overnight because it was too late to do anything last night. Went out five minutes ago just to check, and it fired right up and the voltage light was off. Any ideas what could cause this?

 

What size motor does it have... the 3.8? How many miles are on the van. How old is the battery, and when were the terminals and connectors last cleaned? I know slightly older(04's) with the 3.8 motor use a clutched alternator pulley..I had 2 go bad and not let the system charge properly...and had same symptoms that you describe.

 

it's 2007, 3.8 with about 185,000 miles. The battery was November 2017 (tests fine), alternator was this past spring (test fine), changed the belt over the summer. Battery cables/terminals checked Monday when we did the testing.

 

Have the large red wire connection to the alternator checked for tightness, that has happened on 2 vans that posted here of that trouble. turned out the nut connection was loose, also check that the ring(eyelet) connector end is Clean and not oxidized.