Chrysler Repair: battery cca or ca, dodge grand caravan, grand caravan

Question
QUESTION: 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L 120K

What would happen if a battery of lower CCA is put in this van? I visited online stores and it seems to me that the CCA for this engine should be at least 525 as per OEM. The last battery by the previous owner is much below this rating (400 CCA). Can an alternator damage the battery by overcharging in such a situation?

How can determine the CCA or CA for my van?

Thanks for your help!

ANSWER: Hi Shafique,
It would appear that you would want to have 500 cca if you can get that, or more. It won't affect the alternator to have one with a higher or lower value.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply. I have one more question: Will a lower CCA rating battery be damaged by the charging system? or it does not matter?

Thanks again.

Answer
Neither the battery nor the alternator would be at risk with a lower CCA. The charging rate of the battery is controlled no matter what the CCA is stated to be. It is a performance measure (how many amps will it put out with a cold engine) and it is irrelevant as to any risk of damage to the system as a whole.
Roland