Spazoid idiot lights

[GoldDiggerRoo]

This is a weird one.

 

In my '84 Wagon alternator, brake fluid, a/t temp, brake light, and parking break lights are always on. They come on whenevr the ignition is on, not just when in the starting position. Sometimes they are on constantly, sometimes they blink, sometimes they get dim as RPM's increase and will almost go out at high revs. I don't think any of these are actually "on" because they are dimmer than they would be when working normally, infact I can put on the parking break and that light get really bright (like normal). My odometer also dosen't work, and I think that someone may have spilled something down in the dash and caused all of this.

 

Everything still functions properly (other than the odo.). Does anyone have an idea for an easy fix for this, or should I not even worry about it.

 

Thanks!

[idosubaru]

i think the odometer is unrelated, but i've been wrong before.

for the idiot lights i would check or replace your wires that bolt to the alternator. look for corrosion and loose connections. cut the insulation back a few inches and have a look at the wires and/or just replace them. replace the actual connection as well and solder it good, wrap it good, make it nice. bet that solves your problem.

 

now that i've thought about it an extra 14.3 seconds, first check your battery and connections as well. make sure the posts are clean, the battery terminals are clean and the wires are tight and clean where they connect to the battery connectors. look closely for anything that looks dirty or loose.

[Adam N.D.J.]

A failing alternator can cause this. Also, I would check all your grounds, specially ones under the dash, as well as the one running from the tranny to the spre tire shelf.

 

As for the odometer, the gears inside the speedo that drive it are made of plastic, and are apple cored, only way to fix it is to replace the speedo. Pretty common problem on cars of this vintage.

[edrach]

Bad alternator.