Christmas Dash Lights, but no Electrical Problem - Page 5

Trevor · #61 04-06-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomsSVX

Off the cuff I could not tell you... It has been a while since I have dealt with it.

Tom

Thanks Tom,

This is a problem as no one has reported exactly which dash lights have been involved, as they were not inclined to make a note at the time, which is understandable.

Trevor.

dcarrb · #62 04-07-2009, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomsSVX

When the lights are lit dimly and tend to flicker it is indicative of a bad alternator, meaning a poorly charging alternator.

My teal did this, just as I was switching off the ignition. Had it not been inside my relatively dark garage I might not have even noticed. I immediately replaced the alternator, put a charge on the battery, and all's well. Didn't occur to me to note which lights illuminated, but you can bet that I'll be heading to the parts house for an alternator if it happens again.

dcb

svxcess · #63 04-07-2009, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarrb

My teal did this, just as I was switching off the ignition. Had it not been inside my relatively dark garage I might not have even noticed. I immediately replaced the alternator, put a charge on the battery, and all's well. Didn't occur to me to note which lights illuminated, but you can bet that I'll be heading to the parts house for an alternator if it happens again.

Maniac Electric Motors, who have the high-output alternators, also have the stock rebuilt Mitsubishi 95A units in stock and ready to ship.

Price with core exchange: $78.00 plus shipping.
Without core, the price is $138.00 plus shipping

http://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/13406.html

The same specs and double the warranty (2 years) for a lot less. The Subaru remanufactured ones have only a one year warranty and go for around $250.00 after core exchange.

On both alternators AND starters, the core return charges are pre-paid by the company. They will send you a shipping label to return the core to them.

.

Trevor · #64 04-07-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarrb

My teal did this, just as I was switching off the ignition. Had it not been inside my relatively dark garage I might not have even noticed. I immediately replaced the alternator, put a charge on the battery, and all's well. Didn't occur to me to note which lights illuminated, but you can bet that I'll be heading to the parts house for an alternator if it happens again.

dcb

Thanks dcb for another useful report on the subject.

Could you possibly estimate as to whether there were six or seven lights, or say only four lights involved.

Do you think the lights came on dim and flickering immediately before and when the engine was at idle speed, or immediately after the ignition actually switched off, but the engine continued to turn over a few times as a result inertia? I gather you did not notice the lights illuminating when travelling.

Was it a once only event, which has not again occurred?

Tom,

Could you also please take a stab at making an estimate regarding the number of lights involved.

dcarrb · #65 04-07-2009, 10:47 AM

svxcess, at those prices I might just order one to keep as a spare. Think I paid one-sixty-something plus core for a Brand-X reman.

Trevor, in my mind's eye it seems not all of the warning lights illuminated. This happened just an instant before switching-off the ignition; in fact, I restarted the car and let it idle for a bit to confirm what I thought I'd seen. And sure enough, several warning lights were faintly visible. I recall it was a steady burn, not flickering. Sorry I can't be more specific.

I checked the tension of the alternator belt, then went inside to phone around for an alternator. (I was grateful that the old girl waited 'til we got home to act up.)

No lights nor other hint of trouble since replacing the alternator.

dcb

Trevor · #66 04-07-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarrb

Trevor, in my mind's eye it seems not all of the warning lights illuminated. This happened just an instant before switching-off the ignition; in fact, I restarted the car and let it idle for a bit to confirm what I thought I'd seen. And sure enough, several warning lights were faintly visible. I recall it was a steady burn, not flickering. Sorry I can't be more specific.

I checked the tension of the alternator belt, then went inside to phone around for an alternator. (I was grateful that the old girl waited 'til we got home to act up.)

No lights nor other hint of trouble since replacing the alternator.

dcb

Thanks dcb, it all helps the detective work.

NikFu S. · #67 06-06-2009, 04:46 PM

This thread has convinced me to replace my alternator, probably with OEM as opposed to "high output".

Very technically informative.

kwren · #68 06-06-2009, 08:30 PM

This is an easy one! Someone that has had an alternator do the christmas tree thing and replaced it... Just take the new one off and reinstall the old one and count the lights!

Keith

fjm57 · #69 06-15-2009, 08:56 AM

I just had this happen on 6-13-09
Based on the info presented in the first pages of this thread I did the alternator swap. The swap fixed it.

Had I read it all, at the time, I would have taken a picture of the lights.

As far as what lights were on I'd say there were seven. IIRC, They are the same lights that come on if you turn the key to the "ON" position without starting the car minus the air bag light and the E-Brake disengaged .

Nice info and detail BTW
Jim

Trevor · #70 06-17-2009, 03:31 AM

Thanks Jim, very helpful.

I am looking into all of this as I have time.

Sincerely, Trevor.

djewkes · #71 06-25-2009, 10:20 AM

The dash lights coming on happened in my '97. When I turned the car on they stayed on for a while, then faded, however, when I stepped on the brake they came back on. The lights that I remember coming on were: battery, ABS and about 4 more in the middle (sorry, without a picture of the dash lights I can't remember them all). My mechanic has the car now, and I'm sure I'll be replacing the alternator. I thought I'd add my symptoms since they were different from everyone elses. My mechanic did say the voltage was low.

Trevor · #72 06-25-2009, 08:49 PM

Thanks, an interesting addition regarding the brake involvement.

RSVX · #73 06-26-2009, 07:15 AM

I would venture to say that the brake plays a part due to the fact that in order to press the brake one must remove their foot from the gas, reducing the revolutions of the engine and in turn reducing he output of the alternator.

Thats my theory, anyway.

djewkes · #74 06-28-2009, 09:01 PM

Well whatever the reason the lights came on when I hit the brake, the alternator has been replaced and the car is back to normal.

I posted pics of it in the For Sale.

Trevor · #75 06-29-2009, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djewkes

The dash lights coming on happened in my '97. When I turned the car on they stayed on for a while, then faded, however, when I stepped on the brake they came back on..

Special thanks for your continued information.

Regarding the above, please advise if engine revs dropping, when you operated the brake pedal may have been a cause. Or did you brake with the engine at idle speed? Refer post by Chris.