Idiot Lights on the dash

[Strait 666]

I'm new here I just bought a 1990 Supra Na 5spd, and while i was detailing it, i washed it under the hood a little without covering anything. now the brake, check bulbs and battery light stay on all the time and the alternator gauge is reading just under 12 volts, but all the accsesories are working and it is keeping a charge. my question is what did i mess up by getting it wet, and how can i fix it?

 

[AGlobalThreat]

You probably have water in your spark plug galley OR you got water in your air flow meter (AFM) which is located on your intake.

Brake light you can check your brake fluid level (Low level will turn on light) and also your ebrake switch controls that light (Light should be on when ebrake is up).

If the problem persists check the alternator.

Also don't hesitate to check battery voltage while off, although if you said it's holding a charge it's probably fine.

Everyone's engine bay is different I don't know where you sprayed you're just going to have to track down the problem and find it. Welcome to supras

 

[xarewhyayen]

that is the typical supra sign of an alternator being toast

those lights usually come on periodically when an alternator is starting to go... why not just take a shortcut, go to a shop with a VAT machine, and have the alternator output checked.

 

[Dirgle]

:withstupi

 

[suprasick]

definetly alternator... mine did that for 2 years before i finally got it checked out.... popped a new one in ( under 30min pretty easy ) lights are gone and voltage is perfect.

So my suggestion would be to get it checked out before it gets worse or even dies

 

[Burntz]

if your alternator is reading at 12 volts, its obviously bad.

working at a parts store for the past year n a half, i know that a alternator should almost always be around 14 - 14.4 volts, never below 13.5.

 

[Figit090]

what about the dash gauge? is that reliable enough to check or monitor the alternator with?

i notice at night, i think mainly when i have the blower running (cabin air, no a/c on at night) and come off the gas to idle my headlights (i always have fogs on too) dim a bit. then they brighten when i give it a bit of gas. not a big problem but makes me wonder if the alternator might be on its way out in the near future.... i havent had any charge problems....everything works fine, i just seem to have some strain on the elec system at idle...