Haven't been here in a hot minute, which is both a blessing and a curse (in some ways). But as a refresher: I have a '96 850 GLT sedan. At least that's what the VIN says it is, but I definitely have an NA engine. That's another question though...
I'll cut straight to the chase: My dash lights are acting up, and I have a working theory.
So background first, my cyclops light is out and anytime I press the brakes the dash indicator light comes on. But whenever that happens and the dashboard and console lights are on (they're connected it seems?) those ones go out, but the brake light remains on. Additionally, if I turn a signal on it will blink opposite of what the signal does (Signal flashes on, dash lights out).
I've done some homework, and I've found two plausible solutions:
One: It's the brightness slider. I've read these are problematic for some 850 models. Obviously this is ideal because it's a $25 USD part. The slider is very touchy, and sometimes putting it at max kills the lights for a bit and I drive without them (not ideal after dark... thank goodness for open highways and cruise control).
Two: it's the alternator. Since the dimming and flickering only happens when I engage other electronics like my windows, windshield wipers, and turn signals. I have also noticed that when I lock my doors, the headlights dim slightly while the mechanism is engage. Thankfully they do not when I use my signals.
So what do you think? Am I on the right track with the slider assembly? Or could this be something more serious/in depth like a wiring problem behind the dash?
I will be ordering the slider once I make this post, and if that fixes all my woes I will let you all know, but until then I am curious to see what else it could be.