Driving home, nothing abnormal happens, suddenly my Airbag lights come on and the instrument lights shine brighter than I've ever seen them.

After shutting down and restarting, still there. Also, the instrument shine bright when the car is revved.

Any ideas what this could be?

Thanks in advance

 

Ive seen the same problem on Mini's and it turned out to be the alternator. I'm not saying that's your problem but i would check it.

 

check voltage with engine off and on

 

I will have the alternator checked later today.

Some additional info: A squeaking/ high pitched grinding noise was eminating from the belts. When I drove off, they squealed. Strange thing is that I had them tightened a little over a month ago.

I have lightweight pulleys. Not sure how the alternator would trigger the ABS lights though.

anyone have any input?

Also, Please see this thread: My Older Noise Thread

Could they be connected?

 

The alternator has a voltage regulator that keeps the voltage lower than 14 volts (think of a generator... the faster you spin it, the more voltage is put out). If this went on the alternator, it would explain why your lights are brighter when you go faster.

ABS is electrical mang, if the module is being overpowered, I am sure the warning light would come on.

 

Thanks.

I'm basically trying to localize the problem. I'm hoping it's just the alternator. Could anything else cause these symptoms?

If it were an alternator, should I get a Duralast with Lifetime Warranty?



HELP!

Here's the real kicker... I don't think I have ABS. Makes me wonder how the lights came on????

 

post a pic of your engine bay and I'll tell you if you have ABS

 

Only pics I have are these oldies

http://www.rdtiburon.com/index.php?showtopic=9667

 

You don't know if you have ABS???

Have you ever hit the brakes hard?

It's hard to explain but if you've ever driven a car with ABS you'll be able to tell instantly from then on if your car does or not..ABS is actually pretty annoying.

 

You still have an abs light on your dash even if you don't have abs. The light only goes off if there's a problem with the sensor. If there's no sensor, then the light shouldn't go off. But with the alternator being wonky, it could definitely cause weird lighting issues like Casper said. I don't have abs, but you can see where the light would be on the dash if it were to go off.