Dash Warning Lights Fading On and Off

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Nemo
Fast Driver
Posts: 171
Joined: Sat May 22, 2010 8:51 pm
Vehicle: NA6
Location: Sydney

Dash Warning Lights Fading On and Off

Postby Nemo » Tue Mar 20, 2012 11:47 pm

Hi guys,

I have an NA6 and tonight while I was driving home I noticed the battery light and the handbrake light would intermittently fade on and off together.

I'm assuming there is a loose connection etc somewhere as they would fade on and off coincidentally with bumps in the road. Everything else on the car, electrics etc would still be running perfectly.

Any ideas where I should start looking?

Cheers,

Nemo

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hks_kansei
Speed Racer
Posts: 6154
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:43 am
Vehicle: NB8A
Location: Victoria

Re: Dash Warning Lights Fading On and Off

Postby hks_kansei » Wed Mar 21, 2012 9:06 am

I remember when the alternator died of Pam's car that the pair of lights lit up.
But they were just solidly lit, they didn't flash or anything.

Maybe check the battery terminals, are they loose (or are they shorting on the bodywork?)
And then have a look at the alternator, check wiring, check the belt (it might be loose and slipping?)
And of course, get the multimeter out and check the alternator is actually charging.
1999 Mazda MX5 - 1989 Honda CT110 (for sale) - 1994 Mazda 626 wagon (GF's)

CHRISTolo
Driver
Posts: 70
Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:57 pm
Vehicle: NA6
Location: Sydney

Re: Dash Warning Lights Fading On and Off

Postby CHRISTolo » Wed Mar 21, 2012 11:32 am

Have the same issue, but its the Charge and Heat light that were constantly on and off, sometimes it would flicker on/off on bumpy roads.

Could be the booster ground wires, but have not had time to check mine yet.
http://forum.miata.net/vb/printthread.php?t=201921

hks_kansei: prior to the alternator dieing, did the headlights dim on low revs?

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hks_kansei
Speed Racer
Posts: 6154
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:43 am
Vehicle: NB8A
Location: Victoria

Re: Dash Warning Lights Fading On and Off

Postby hks_kansei » Wed Mar 21, 2012 11:43 am

I can't remember to be honest.
Pam was driving along happily (I was passenger) then the lights came on.


I don't think the headlights dimming is a big issue though, remember the battery puts out just a little bit more than 12volts, when the car revs the alternator puts out about 14.5volts.
That's my "I'm not an electrician" theory anyway. Most of my cars have done it.
1999 Mazda MX5 - 1989 Honda CT110 (for sale) - 1994 Mazda 626 wagon (GF's)


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