Idiot lights come half-on during acceleration

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by John Foyt, Nov 3, 2007.

  1. John Foyt

    John Foyt Guest

    Here's an odd one for the group. My idiot lights are coming on when I
    accelerate fast. Not when I slowly step on the gas, and total speed
    doesn't seem to matter, just acceleration. If the lights go on, they
    stay on until I step off the gas.

    By "idiot lights" I mean the danger indicators - battery charge, brake
    failure, brake lights, and "service." They don't go on full, just
    about halfway. Oil light doesn't go on.

    I am driving a Volvo 240 DL, 1988 model.

    Any insight to this problem? And is it serious, or just annoying?
     
    John Foyt, Nov 3, 2007
    #1
  2. John Foyt

    James Sweet Guest

    Check the ground strap between the the engine and the firewall, it can cause
    a problem like this. It's also worth checking the condition and tension of
    the alternator belt.
     
    James Sweet, Nov 3, 2007
    #2
  3. John Foyt

    PT in OR Guest

    Just dealt with the same thing in my 82 240. i removed the alt. and
    cleaned EVERY electrical connection. No more glowing. I also cleaned
    any under-hood electrical connection that seemed suspect. I tend to
    think it is a grounding problem that got cured when i messed with the
    alt. I have trouble believing that a weak alt. or bad hook up
    connection would activate all the idiot lights. then again, i've
    learned to believe all things are possible when it comes to stupid
    electrical problems on my 240.
     
    PT in OR, Nov 5, 2007
    #3
  4. John Foyt

    James Sweet Guest

    On most cars, failure of the alternator will cause all the idiot lights to
    come on, just as they do when you turn on the key without the engine
    running. It's how you test the lights.
     
    James Sweet, Nov 6, 2007
    #4
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