Dim Idiot/Gauge Lights

[RedTalon95]

About 90% of the time when I first I start my car, the battery light and radiator light come on but very dim. Also, when I let down the e-brake it dims down but stays lit just like the other two lights. As soon as I reach 3500 rpm, the dim lights go out and don't come back until I turn the car off and on again.

What could cause this problem? I don't even know where to start.

 

[anmGST]

Have you checked you batt and alt? Electrical problems can be a mess I would start there.

 

[RedTalon95]

Yes, both the battery and alternator were putting out correct to spec voltages.

 

[wcpierson]

I would def agree with the idea of it being the alternator. Sometime they will die slowly and work when you think they are broken and not work when you think they are fine. Go to autozone and have them check it. They do it for free. Also if you dont have an autozone near you a rebuilt one will only cost you around $140 not a terribly expensive part and very easy to replace. Also check the tension on the alt belt.

 

[RedTalon95]

I checked the alternator myself and it is also only about 4 months old. Any other suggestions?

 

[Defiant]

Sorry, but your alternator's dead.

 

[RedTalon95]

I checked my alternator for a second time today, and again I repeat, it is not dead. It is putting out a constant 14.3 volts.

I checked it both with the dim lights and after I revved to get rid of the dim lights. Same results. Please, no more alternator suggestions, I appreciate the help but I've already crossed that off my list and double checked it.

Any other ideas?

 

[Defiant]

I checked my alternator for a second time today, and again I repeat, it is not dead. It is putting out a constant 14.3 volts.

I don't care if it's humming Light My Fire (long version). It's dead.

Trust us.

 

[steelzeus]

+1 on the alt it may not be putting out enough amperage.

 

[xtr3me]

I would check to see if you have any loose grounds or connections. Also have you check your Alt?

 

[DGajre777]

I checked my alternator for a second time today, and again I repeat, it is not dead. It is putting out a constant 14.3 volts.

I checked it both with the dim lights and after I revved to get rid of the dim lights. Same results. Please, no more alternator suggestions, I appreciate the help but I've already crossed that off my list and double checked it.

Any other ideas?

Your voltage regulator is dead, which happens to be part of the alternator (in our cars), so your alternator is dead.

Your alternator may be putting out a constant 14.3 volts, but when RPMs go down the voltage regulator is supposed to keep volts between 13-14volts, which in your case, it is not.

If you don't believe us, get a volt meter and mount it on the dash. You'll see the volts drop down to 11 or 12v and then building up to 14 after you rev the car. My car did the same thing, then after about 3 months, the alternator died and I got a rebuilt one from Mitsubishi.

Get another alternator, your problems will go away. You could also take it to an alternator rebuild shop and have them change the voltage regulator.