dash warning lights acting funny

[bnpimpn]

quick question....when im driving or idleing in lower rpm's (below 3k) my coolant light, battery light, and my emergency brake light, are all on faintly...then when i rev the motor they go away....it JUST started doing this. i was thinkin it might have something to do with my alternator? anyone else have any ideas???(i know there was a thread similar to this except the guy said he changed the alternator and it never went away)

 

[Enigma_Man]

Could be:

1) Alternator, need a new one / check the connections

2) Battery, need a new one / clean/check the terminals

3) Make sure your battery isn't touching the hood, that can cause /similar/ symptoms.

-Jesse

 

[BOBS90TURBO]

I had the same problem after my alternater went bad.

 

[laserblue]

Yes, low voltage causes the ECU to freak and pop those lights on. Typically the alternator is the fault, and less often the battery is dragging the voltage down............ but go with the defective alternator theory!
Many posts have described the same symptoms..... and the usual fix has been>>> replace the alternator [or repair it - if you're an electrical wizard].

 

[1stGenGSX]

don't forget to check the tension on the belt and its condition, it'll do the same thing.

 

[tsunari]

Had the SAME thing happen to me a few months back on my 2G.
My problem was a combination of:

1) Loose battery connections
2) The grey signal clip that attaches to the alternator was not FULLY plugged in.

Try those and good luck . . .

 

[bnpimpn]

did any of your guys's batteries actually die??? mine did so im thinking its the alternator for sure.....would loose connections still possibly be the cause??? since i found that my negative battery connection is a little loose.

 

[tsunari]

it MIGHT still be a part of the problem. If that plug on the alternator isn't fully seated, the ECU might not be able to tell it when to turn on/off. Just climb up under there and make sure it's fully seated and of course re-check the cables on your battery . . . should be nice and snug.

But no . . . my battery never died. I got my problem fixed fairly quick.

 

[laserblue]

Warning: I may be blowing farts thru my hat with these next sentences!!!
I'm an electrical engineer... please, hold the applause down!!....... Thanks! . . . If an alternator does not "see" a battery to "clamp" the voltage at around 12v, there is a possibility that the alternator could become damaged, so make sure that the battery is in good shape and the posts & clamps are clean, especially the inside part of the clamps that contact the posts. Sandpaper or emery cloth works fine to clean them up. A dab of light oil, or vaseline jelly will help keep the metal corrosion free.

You probably DO have a rotten alternator, from your description. Just make sure that you clean and tighten all wires no matter what. Also follow the negative battery cable to the bolt [and/or nut] on the firewall [usually] and clean & tighten that stuff.