Warning lights Stay on-92 FJ80

[vtcruiser60]

I tend to monitor the 60 Tech section, but a little call from my mom this am got me engaged on her FJ80. I sold her my 92 FJ80 132k (first mistake) and happened to get an earful this morning (second mistake--answering the phone). I hope folks can help ....

The battery was replaced last week and appears to have caused some electrical issues. Though the vehicle starts right up, without hesitation, the dashboard warning lights are now engaged for a long time. If the vehicle sits idle, the lights will remain on. If the vehicle is driven, the lights turn off after a short while. This is a new pattern and has my mom spooked.

Of course I happened to change the oil last weekend for her.....so she thinks that is the problem.

Ideas????

 

[MoJ]

Alternator can cause some screwy warning light issues. You said your battery needed replaced recently - a second clue pointing in that direction.

 

[vtcruiser60]

More specifics....

1. The alternator is less than a year old.
2. When replacing the battery, I wire brushed the caps and sprayed with terminal sealant.
3. Cap and rotor are two years old and have 15k on them.

Is there some ground wire or harness point that can cause these issues if loose or filthy?

The vehicle is on seasonal roads 50% of the day.

Thanks...

 

[MoJ]

If you're unable to do it yourself, have the alternator tested for free at an auto parts store. A rebuilt alternator could fail (although rare) in that time period.

 

[robbie]

was the rebuilt a aftermarket one or was it a toyota one? I have never trusted aftermarket one's, even the brand name one(carquest, napa, etc). What warning lights are on? all of them or just the charge and the brake light, or a combintaion of many? If as you say the lights go out after a while, I would supect the alternator brushes or the voltage regulator. check out the voltage it puts out at idle and rev it to 1500 rpms and check the voltage again. Then turn on the lights and check voltage again, then any other electrical thing you can to cause a drain. If at 1500 rpm you can not maintain 13 volts you have a problem with the alternator (again etither the brushes or voltage reg). If you determine you have a alternator problem you can ground the reg out by inserting a pin in the hole in the back of the alternator to full field the voltage reg and see if the voltage spikes and holds if so the voltage regulater is the problem, if not the brushes are the problem. or take it some where and have it tested as Moj suggest. later robbie

 

[vtcruiser60]

Robbie,

Thanks for the encouragement. I had ruled out the altenator, but it sure does sound like the culprit. I'll look that over.

-

 

[offroadkid]

Check this link out: http://www.safari4x4.com.au/80scool/tech/dash_lights.html
HTH!!