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Idiot lights come half-on during acceleration

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?

Reply to
John Foyt
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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.

Reply to
James Sweet

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.

Reply to
PT in OR

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.

Reply to
James Sweet

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