Warning lights on, no apparent problems

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  • MazterDizazter
    Wrencher
    • Feb 2009
    • 279

    #1

    Warning lights on, no apparent problems

    OK so just yesterday my battery and brake fluid warning lights came on. I immediately checked the brake fluid level and it was full. I did a visual check of the battery and charging system and nothing looks out of place, plus I drove about 45 miles after the light came on with no noticeable loss of power. The warning lights would dim at times then go back to full brightness. What could be causing this issue?
    1987 Toyota MR2: 20v blacktop screamer
    sigpic
    2013 Subaru BRZ: the new hotness
    1991 318is Alpine White: sold
    1989 325i Alpine White: sold
  • MazterDizazter
    Wrencher
    • Feb 2009
    • 279

    #2
    Drove another 45 miles today with the lights on and the radio blaring. No loss of battery power whatsoever. The warning lights are still on, brightness still fluctuating.
    1987 Toyota MR2: 20v blacktop screamer
    sigpic
    2013 Subaru BRZ: the new hotness
    1991 318is Alpine White: sold
    1989 325i Alpine White: sold

    Comment

    • Scarlet_Pimpernel
      Advanced Member
      • Mar 2009
      • 151

      #3
      bad grounds maybe?
      "life's like the hair outta your ass... short and full of shit...":blowup:

      Comment

      • Knockenwelle
        Grease Monkey
        • Jul 2008
        • 395

        #4
        Dying alternator. Have it checked at Vatozone or other similar parts shack of choice. If possible, rebuild it yourself. Reman stuff is never 100%.
        sigpic

        Mike

        '91 325i track car. Mostly...

        Comment

        • MazterDizazter
          Wrencher
          • Feb 2009
          • 279

          #5
          I'll have it tested today, but what does it have to do with the brake fluid?
          1987 Toyota MR2: 20v blacktop screamer
          sigpic
          2013 Subaru BRZ: the new hotness
          1991 318is Alpine White: sold
          1989 325i Alpine White: sold

          Comment

          • Knockenwelle
            Grease Monkey
            • Jul 2008
            • 395

            #6
            Nothing. Illuminating all those lights is just an E30s way of saying "Charging voltage low!"

            If your car has ABS, that one will come on, too.
            sigpic

            Mike

            '91 325i track car. Mostly...

            Comment

            • MazterDizazter
              Wrencher
              • Feb 2009
              • 279

              #7
              Yep, it was the alternator. I was surprised I drove on it for almost 3 days without the car dying. Perhaps it was charging, just not enough. Goodbye $110!
              1987 Toyota MR2: 20v blacktop screamer
              sigpic
              2013 Subaru BRZ: the new hotness
              1991 318is Alpine White: sold
              1989 325i Alpine White: sold

              Comment

              • MazterDizazter
                Wrencher
                • Feb 2009
                • 279

                #8
                Dammit! I replaced the alternator this morning just before it rained (with a reman. unit from Autozone), and now the warning lights are off, but the stupid thing wouldn't charge the battery!!! Both wires are reconnected to the alt. and I made sure to tighten both the tensioner and bottom bolts so it's grounded. The battery is only a year old.... What could be the problem?
                1987 Toyota MR2: 20v blacktop screamer
                sigpic
                2013 Subaru BRZ: the new hotness
                1991 318is Alpine White: sold
                1989 325i Alpine White: sold

                Comment

                • jlevie
                  R3V OG
                  • Nov 2006
                  • 13530

                  #9
                  What voltage is present at the B+ terminal of the alternator with the engine idling? Is the ground strap between the body and engine good?
                  The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
                  Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

                  Comment

                  • MazterDizazter
                    Wrencher
                    • Feb 2009
                    • 279

                    #10
                    I hate Duralast crap. Alternator was no good; I got a replacement and it worked fine. Thanks for the help everyone :)
                    1987 Toyota MR2: 20v blacktop screamer
                    sigpic
                    2013 Subaru BRZ: the new hotness
                    1991 318is Alpine White: sold
                    1989 325i Alpine White: sold

                    Comment

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