Brake and Engine light on

[NYC32798]

I was on my way home the other night and my battery and brake light went on and my idle was raised from 600 rpms to about 900. I have a 5-speed and I can't figure out why the lights are on. Does anyone know why the lights are on?

[Igobuk]

Have you checked to see if your car has any error codes ? Also, the battery light MAY mean that something is wrong with the electrical system such as alternator or battery and the RPM's may have gone up in an attempt to spool up the alternator for a higher charge. The brake light may have come on simply because of the other problem. It's easy to test the alternator and/or battery, AutoZone does it for free as do many other car stores like it.


Or you can get a voltmeter, turn on the car and have someone keep it revved at about 1200 RPM's, you should have about a 14 volt reading at the battery terminals suggesting the alternator is charging properly. Something I do but is not recommended by some people is to disconnect both the positive and negative terminals on the battery once the car is started... if the car stays on, the alternator is working, if the car turns off, it isn't. To test the battery, get the voltmeter again and with the car off, you should have about a 12 - 13 volt reading at the battery terminals.

Also, make sure to check the basics like all your fuses and relays and again... computer error codes.

Good Luck.