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    Random dash warning lights are staying on

    I was driving home last night and after hitting a few bumps, the following warning lights stayed on the cluster:



    e-brake

    brake fluid

    battery



    Wanting to make sure a belt did somehow come off I checked and everything looked fine. Drove to work today, they were on, but no issues.



    Same thing just now as I drove to the car wash.



    Any ideas? Is my cluster about to die or did something get knocked loose?

    Simon
    Current Cars:
    -1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle

    Make R3V Great Again -2020

    #2
    Check your battery voltage static and charging for a start. Weird, but otherwise unconnected lights being on typically means alternator problems.

    Comment


      #3
      Usually means charging system is going out. Although in my case on the m42 my woodruff key on the crankshaft sheered off causing the ignition timing to be way off and i was getting combustion in my headers instead of the chamber. I fixed that and all was well.


      1989 325is l 1984 euro 320i l 1970 2002 Racecar
      1991 318i 4dr slick top


      Euro spec 320i/Alpina B6 3.5 project(the never ending saga)
      Vintage race car revival (2002 content)
      Mtech 2 turbo restoration
      Brilliantrot slick top "build"

      Comment


        #4
        My car had this problem when I got it. Changing the blower motor fixed it...

        it's wonky ground somewhere


        it's a Kenny Powers quote on wheels

        Comment


          #5
          Car died last night, clear alternator symptoms. It died while driving, and when I tried to restart it just clicked conforming my suspicions. However once I got home it fired up immediately. Luckily I’m off work today so I’ll get under it and see if a ground wiggled loose otherwise I’m yanking the alternator and swapping it
          Simon
          Current Cars:
          -1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle

          Make R3V Great Again -2020

          Comment


            #6
            Hmmmnn....
            Simon
            Current Cars:
            -1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle

            Make R3V Great Again -2020

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by 2mAn View Post
              Hmmmnn....


              Likely your issue. And if i was you unless the bearings are shot in the alt just buy a voltage regulator.


              1989 325is l 1984 euro 320i l 1970 2002 Racecar
              1991 318i 4dr slick top


              Euro spec 320i/Alpina B6 3.5 project(the never ending saga)
              Vintage race car revival (2002 content)
              Mtech 2 turbo restoration
              Brilliantrot slick top "build"

              Comment


                #8
                I bought an alternator from o'reillys. It is a reman'd bosch. Lifetime warranty and the car is back up and running, with no random dash lights on.
                Simon
                Current Cars:
                -1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle

                Make R3V Great Again -2020

                Comment


                  #9
                  Hey, was it just the alternator? I’m having the same 3 dash lights come on, but only about half brightness and they go out when I rev the engine. My engine hasn’t died but my headlights and dash lights go dimmer at idle.
                  My son has the 1987 325e, 2 door, 5speed
                  I daily the 1989 325i, 4 door, 5speed

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Yup, after the alternator was replaced I was good to go
                    Simon
                    Current Cars:
                    -1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle

                    Make R3V Great Again -2020

                    Comment


                      #11
                      hey I'm trying to replace my alternator too but the bottom nut holding it back on is just spinning and there is no space for me to get a tool onto it. any advice?
                      My rigs:
                      1984 Jeep Cj7 (my baby)
                      Lifted 2006 Subaru Baja (the daily)
                      1987 BMW 325e Off-road Build (the new hotness)

                      Comment


                        #12
                        pretty sure thats one of those blind ones that you have to feel for it.
                        Simon
                        Current Cars:
                        -1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle

                        Make R3V Great Again -2020

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Thanks for posting this! Back on the road

                          Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

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