Why do ALL my dash lights stay on?

[TajMan]

I put my car together ('90 Talon Tsi AWD) and it seems to run ok, except for some reason ALL my dash lights are on. (I did MAJOR work on this car, I bought it disassembeled, never had it running before now.) Brake light, coolant light, oil light, everything. The check engine light is off when I start the car but it turns on after a few seconds.

Any ideas?
Is there one connection somewhere that would cause this?
I know at autozone they have the tool to connect to ODBII cars and read the codes. Can they check coes on my ODBI car?

 

[hellotbone]

Usually if you are lit up like a christmas tree the alternator isn't working and the battery is dying. Start the car and use the multimeter to check if the car is charging.

 

[90blacktsiawd]

Well i'm very familiar with the signs of dying batteries and alternators unfortunately. Whenever one is going my radiator, brake and check engine lights come on. But thats it. If you don't have access to a multimeter you could always try turning on every possible accessory you have, ie.. headlights, ac, defroster, radio, wipers. If your car dies or the lights start to get really dim i'd have to agree with charging system not doing it's job.

 

[Mack]

Usually if you are lit up like a christmas tree the alternator isn't working and the battery is dying. Start the car and use the multimeter to check if the car is charging.

I agree. It has been discussed before. It would seem like no lights should come on with lower than needed voltage, but on the great thing that is DSM, they all come on....

 

[TajMan]

I have a multimeter but I never use it.

What do I have to select on the dial, and where do I test? Just ground and then the + wire coming off the alternator to see if its producing voltage? Do I have to disconnect anything? Its a brand new battery BTW, fully charged I have a charger.

 

[95GSXBLUR]

when the car is running you want to check DC voltage at the battery. with it running a decent charge would be abour 13.7-14.1. if you're some where around there you're good. if it's below that your alternator is starting to go.

 

[Talesin]

Just as a note, my voltage usually hits around 14 just after starting, then slowly tapers down to 13 or so. Night driving with stereo, high beams, and fan going takes it to around 12.5, as does low-RPM driving.

If your alt is going bad, there are a few places online that sell the Canadian-wrapped alt... produces more amperage to compensate for the required daytime running lights there, and is a very nifty upgrade, as they generally don't cost more than $10 over the american version.

If only I'd learned that before I'd already replaced my alt.