1990 Camry warning lights random activation

[nopalito10]

1990 Toyota Camry warning lights. Seemingly at random while driving, my e-brake, charge, and "lights" warning lights will come on simultaneously and stay on for random amounts of time, sometimes a few seconds, sometimes a few minutes and then they go off, simultaneously. I did notice that when they are NOT on, when I first tap the brake, the "lights" light flashes on for a moment.

My tail lights/brake lights(even the top center one)/head lights all seem to be in working order. I know electrical stuff can be insane to deal with but if any you have had this problem or know what to do about it. (i.e. should I be concerned about it?) The only one that really concerns me is the charge light (since I want a charged and charging battery, like everyone else).

And while we're here, my low fuel light no longer comes on.

Thanks so much

1990 Camry 201,000 miles

[yotatechie04]

I think your problem lies within wiring harnesses...a complete and total bitch to work with at times...but I do believe that's the cause. You should check all of your main wiring harnesses for the lights to make sure there are no breaks or shorts. Check your rear wiring harness that is nearest the trunk lid first, because this has caused many Camry owners grief with the little light that tells you you've blown a bulb.

[typesix]

The same thing happened to me last Fall with my 89 Camry with the 3 lights coming on and off and eventually staying on. In my case it turned out to be a bad alternator. Wiring between alternator and car was OK. Replaced the alternator and everything is fine. Don't know why 3 lights would come on though.

[Mike Gerber]

I believe typesix is correct. I had a similiar problem with an 86 Camry where the charge and brake light would come on intermitantly. It turned out to be the alternator. If you have a digital volt/ohmeter, when the lights come on leave the engine running and check the output of the alternator by setting the ohmeter to 20 volts DC and touch the positive lead to the positive battery terminal and the negative lead to the nagative battery terminal. I bet it will read right around 12 to 12-1/4 volts. Then check it the same way when the lights are not on; I believe at that time it will be more like 14 volts, which is what it should read all the time. That was the case with my old Camry. If that is the case with your's, the alternator is bad. An alternator is an easy do-it-yourself fix since it is in an easy spot to get to on the 4 cylinder engines. Just remember to disconnect the battery before starting the work.

Good luck with the problem.

Mike

[nopalito10]

Good call on the alternator. That's exactly what it was. Thanks for your help. I even changed it out myself (probably one of the few things I could do, thanks for the tips).

Thanks,

Todd