Idiot lights

JIMCAT · Post by **JIMCAT** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 6:34 am

My 86 Tercel SW has gone quirkyl The idiot lights for the battery and the parking brake are staying on. I can find no obvious reason for it. Any ideas

thanks, guys

jc

splatterdog · Post by **splatterdog** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:23 am

The only time I have seen it on mine or other toy's of the same era was always the alternator.

Can't explain the brake light. Never gave it a second thought first several alt's. Come's time for mine and I just have to figure it out. I don't know how long I stared at the wiring diagrams. I couldn't tell why. I saw no connection at all.

Mine still charged but was very weak I might add.

neonsport · Post by **neonsport** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:55 am

Tercels always have both lights come on when there's a charging problem, I don't know why. Every one of mine has done it. I've always assumed it was to get your attention easier; with a light on both sides, your more likely to notice it.

Post by **Petros** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 11:05 am

they could also be unrelated but simultainious failures. Check the brake fluid level, that brings on the brake light, as well as uneven pressure in the brake system. to check the alternator, turn your lights on with car off, and then start it, if the lights go brighter than the alternator is working (this is best done at night, but it does not have to be dark).

Also check your fuses, some cars actually have the idot lights run through the fuse box. I do not know if this is the case with the tercel, but it is worth a look.

keith · Post by **keith** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:03 pm

I've seen it too, its the alternator. A reman alternator is $100 from Autozone. It has a lifetime warrantee, I'm on our second one. You can replace the brush for much less and its not to hard to do.

neonsport · Post by **neonsport** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:31 pm

keith wrote:I've seen it too, its the alternator. A reman alternator is $100 from Autozone. It has a lifetime warrantee, I'm on our second one. You can replace the brush for much less and its not to hard to do.

Depends on which alternator. My 86 has an external regulator alternator, and the replacement cost only $34.99 at AutoZone last year. It was well worth it to replace one of unknown origin that I'd driven over 100k, and which locked up a bearing as I pulled up to my house after the evening commute.

JIMCAT · Post by **JIMCAT** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:44 am

Gonna get an alternator today. Will let you know if it solves the issue. Millions of thanks to all of you.
jc

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:22 am

It could be just the brushes in the alternator. About $4 to replace. I did this twice to my alt in the last 350,000 miles.

JIMCAT · Post by **JIMCAT** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 11:05 am

Installed new alternator. Problem solved. You guys were right. Thanks again

jc

neonsport · Post by **neonsport** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:27 pm

So... was it the cheap or the expensive alternator?

JIMCAT · Post by **JIMCAT** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 6:31 pm

$120 at O'Rieliy's....plus the core ..I live in the boondocks and have few choices of parts stores. Had to order it and wait a day for delivery., But you guys were right. thanks again