Sensor lights : What does this pattern mean?

[Melio]

I have 3 lights lit dimly while I drive -

Radiator Light / Battery (voltage?) / Brake Light

if I lift the E-brake it will brighten the brake light to indicate use.

I have no idea what this is. I was thinking it might be an issue with the alternator, but my car starts and runs fine.

it does idle a little funky occasionally, such as a short pause in idling but not a stall.

anyhow - this car is getting old but I love it.


Melio

92 Talon TSI Awd.

 

[xcelr8n]

thats youre alternator

 

[Melio]

so i'm running off battery only right now?


dam.

thanks.

I'll test it today to make sure.

 

[mal]

any word? what was it? i have the exact same problem. i was thinking it was my terminal ends cause they are a tad janky. im starting to think its my battery though. i have a "new", or atleast to autozone, alternator. i replaced the battery when i did the alternator so...yeah..

 

[Melio]

Still yet to figure out this problem .

If it is my Alternator, I'm going to test it by removing the positive lead of the battery while the car is running to see if the car completly shuts down.

if that's the case, the alternator is broke. and I'll replace it.

I don't know what else to do, I'm kinda afraid to drive this car right now with these sensors fired up like this.

the only thing I can think of is, something burned up in the engine. something electrical and the sensors are being lit to indicate a short somewhere.

 

[Defiant]

It's the alternator. It's an odd characteristic of the DSMs.

 

[Melio]

Yep, Tested it today, Pulled the positive lead off the battery, and the whole car shut down.

now I gotta figure out how to replace it. I'm thinking remove the moter mounts, jack the engine up on one side. and it'll be cake to get to the alternator and accessory belt.

 

[Melio]

I just want to update - months later.

you don't have to jack your car.

simply turn the wheel to open up the gap between the alternator and the sidewall and remove the plastic fairing inside the wheel well to access the alternator.

replacing alternators SHOULD NOT involve removing your powersteering!

IF your power steering IS leaking, FIX THAT!

it will take out any future alternator as well.

power steering pumps are about 200$ at autozone.