Multiple Warning Lights. Help Diagnosing?

[Naieve]

Hi All,

 

I need a little help diagnosing a problem.

 

So I was driving home in the rain the other day, and multiple warning lights began going on and off.  The volt meter was also going up and down as well.  From alternator levels around 14 to battery levels around 12.  The problem is not the alternator, I already checked that off the list.

 

Warning Lights on:

Hazard

PSM Off

Spoiler

Park

Brake Fluid

ABS

Battery

Seat Belt

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[Ahsai]

Have you checked the battery and how did you rule out the alternator?

[Naieve]

I'll check the battery, but i put another alternator in.

[Loren]

Step one is battery voltage - both at rest when charging.

If that is good then my next step would be the ignition switch.

[Ahsai]

Second what Loren suggested. Also check the battery cables, terminals to make sure the connectors are tight. Also, check the ground cable on the engine right side behind the right rear wheel.

Edited April 3, 2015 by Ahsai

[Naieve]

Thanks Guys,

I'll check all that tomorrow morning and get back to you.  Maybe switch in a battery I know is good.

Thanks for the help!

Jon

[Naieve]

So I took out a multimeter and tested the battery.  It did need charged, even though it was starting the car.  I tested the battery after charging, and it is good and holding a charge.  So I turned the car on and put the multimeter on the battery while running, and the voltage dipped to just above 12v.  Which to me would mean the car is running straight off the battery.  I'm hoping the problem is the ground strap, but I don't know if that would affect it.  Otherwise I would assume more serious wiring issues.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Jon

[Ahsai]

Sounds like the alternator to me. Check out my write up here and do test #5 first, which tells you whether your alternator is bad. http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/47504-troubleshooting-low-voltage-and-charging-issues/#entry265666

Then use a jump start cable to connect the engine brace behind the rear bumper to the brass bolt on the airbox close to the engine lid lock. That will bypass a bad ground strap.

Edited April 4, 2015 by Ahsai

[Naieve]

Just to let you know.  It was the alternator.  I used a wire to test the back.  Got a new alternator in and everything is good.  Looks like I shouldn't have assumed a brand new alternator would work!

[Ahsai]

Excellent and thanks for closing this.