cluster lights
 

in my 92 svx whenever i turn the wheel all the lights along the bottom of the instrument cluster light up. also the wheel seems hard to turn sometimes. another problem i have is when i push on the brakes, turn on the fog lights, the heated mirrors, the rear defroster, or the heater. the radio either starts making funny noises or shuts off completely. i'm lost any help with this would be greatly apprectiated. i've read here that some people have had the lights come on when their alternator is going out, could this be the problem? and if so would it cause the other problems.

Get a multimeter and measure the voltage when you see all the lights.

and check the tightness the alternator/power steering belt.

Corey,
Welcome to the Network!

Your light problem "could" be as simple as a loose belt. Make sure the alt belt is tightened to within spec.

Another possibility is that the o-ring on your P/S pump needs replacing. If the pump is sucking air, it would cause the hard steering, and, possibly the drag on the belt path, causing the belt to slip and the lights to come on.

Then, of course, there's always the alternator going out. :D

Go to the "how to" personal locker for instructions on the o-ring fix.

As far as the noise with the panel switches, I have the same problem, but, only with the rear defogger. I've noticed that I have a couple of the elements that do not heat. I'm guessing there are broken circuits there. Considering that one of the dual antennas for the radio is on the rear windshield, I just figured it was electrical noise caused by the open circuits. I don't have the same problem with the mirrors or the other elements you mentioned.

thanks for the ideas. my belt is really cracked so i have a new one to put on along with the a/c belt with a new pulley cause the old one seized and burned up the old a/c belt. i had no idea the rear defroster was also an antenna. when i turn on the rear defrost it usually only makes the radio sound weird. but when the foglights are on or the heated mirrors thats what usually shuts the radio completely off, but the lights and heat on the mirrors still works fine. thanks for your help

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is it possible you could have a short also ? the belt was prob the problem but...just for giggles have you had the electrical system checked?

i did check the alternator and it wasn't charging the battery at all the battery was just being drained when i turned on some of the accessories.