850 dash warning lights Topic is solved

[crlande]

Ok board members, I got one for you... Hopped in my 850 this morning and started off to work. Less than mile and all the warning lights and headlights start to flicker. Turn around and hop in another car. This afternoon the car fires up, the air pump sounded muffled compared to the usual wind up, all warning lights are on, occasional flicker but all on. I jiggled some cables under hood, fiddled with the key while in ignition, turned on accessories, windows, headlights with nothing different. Car idles fine and starts each time. Did not check the diagnostics boxes under hood yet. Where the heck do I start diagnosing?
Thanks,
Carl

[misha]

Ignition switch or alternator.

[Cookeh]

I'm with misha on this one, you can test the ignition barrel/switch by jiggling the keys slightly with engine running and seeing if that temporarily fixes the problem.

[crlande]

Yes I thought the same. Tried jiggling the key in ignition several times, no difference.

[misha]

Did you checked the alternator output voltage?

[crlande]

I have not checked the voltage output yet.
Thanks for your idea/ information.

[crlande]

Two days of doing nothing to car, the battery was 12.2 with engine off. Started car and battery was 11.5 while engine running. I am leaning towards alternator issue.

[misha]

Check voltage output directly on alternator....on b+ and alternator housing.
We need this to determine if alternator is bad or battery cables are bad.

[crlande]

Today the battery was 12.2 before starting. The B+ and alternator housing was 11.45 as was the battery 11.45 while running.

[misha]

Yep....alternator is shot.
Could be voltage regulator or the alternator itself.