Lights On Dash flicker on and off when headlights off ?

[97 Talon Esi]

Ok i have been searching on here and cant seem to find a good post to the problem i have been having. I notice when i start my car up after a little bit the warning lights will come on and dim back out but what is wierd about it is that when you turn the headlights on the lights on the dash instantly go out and stay off. Well i took my car for its longest trip since i owned it and the lights were coming on and off but after awhile it stop. Any help would be great since i can not figure out what the hell is causing this..

 

[LiquidX]

I suspect a connection issue where a wire is grounding out somewhere. It could potentially be an alternator as well and you can hook a voltmeter up to it and check it's output voltage. What is your battery voltage both with and without lights on the dash?

 

[97 Talon Esi]

well i was under the car checking every thing out and i did happen to notice that the ground straps that get attached to the muffler system has rotted off.Im not sure what they are for or there purpose. I will go check what the voltage is on the battery right now and let you know.

 

[LiquidX]

The ground strap IIRC is there to reduce static build up from the movement of the exhaust flow.