Wierd dash lights...

[INF3RN0666]

Sup

I'm having an issue with the car where I would be driving down the street and the dash lights up with all its pretty lights and the car sounds the three seat belt beeps. It's the same power cycle that happens when you just put your key in and turn the car to "ON". It does this every few minutes at no noticeable interval. I'm going to check my battery connections, but I would think that if the battery was ever to lose connection, even for a milisecond, the car would shut off. Any takes on this? Has anyone ever seen anything like this.

Take care!

[vgames33]

Doesn't the car run on the alternator when the battery is disconnected (assuming its already started)?

[waycool9]

Originally Posted by vgames33

Doesn't the car run on the alternator when the battery is disconnected (assuming its already started)?

Well kind of like that, but no. Your car runs off the battery and the alternater just makes sure that the battery keeps charged.
Anyway to the problem with your christmas tree lights is it could be as easy as replacing the alternater (it's probibly crapping out), or ive also seen ignition switches crapping out too (both on cavaliers and impalas)

[kevinthenerd]

Originally Posted by waycool9

Well kind of like that, but no. Your car runs off the battery and the alternater just makes sure that the battery keeps charged.
Anyway to the problem with your christmas tree lights is it could be as easy as replacing the alternater (it's probibly crapping out), or ive also seen ignition switches crapping out too (both on cavaliers and impalas)

This happened on my finance's Cougar right before the alternator crapped out.

[INF3RN0666]

about 1 year ago, i use to have issues with the car where the battery terminal connectors were always loose and the car wouldn't start until you tighten them. the mechanic tightened them somehow and everything was fine.

3 months ago, the car went through a phase where I would turn the key to "start" and nothing would happen. Although, when the ignition was to "ON", the lights in the car seemed ok (but the battery charge indicated only 50% charge). This stopped happening about 3 weeks ago out of the blue.

Now, the car's message center glows a red battery and the emergency break light comes on. Then the PCM cycle beep comes on. So you suggest I test the alternator for voltage first? then how do i test the ignition switch?

[INF3RN0666]

Funny thing is, my alternator actually goes to the fuse box and the fuse box is grounded as well. So I don't know how vital my battery connection is once the car has started. For example, you're supposed to boost off the fuse box terminals on my car. I'm really not to sure about this though.

[UncleBob]

sounds like a bad ignition switch.....if its a newish GM product, quite common too