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Toyota Repair/1984 Tercel Warning Lights

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Expert: Ted Ritter - 10/19/2005


Question
The battery and brake warning lights stay on after the vehicle is started and running. Both lights started staying on at the same time, and the position of the brake handle does not affect the brake light. If I wiggle the ignition switch, both lamps dim slightly, but do not go out. Any Ideas where to start looking. My guess is with the ignition switch, as the problem is affecting 2 seperate systems, which developed at the same time.  Thanks!!!!!!!

Answer
This is typically a failing alternator, have the alternator output checked, I fairly certain it is not charging the battery, you can do a quick test yourself by disconnecting the negative battery terminal, while the engine is running, if the engine dies the alternator needs to be replaced.

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Ted Ritter

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I have more than 28 years experience as toyota technician, I will be able to answer most questions related to the Toyota product line up to the present year models,I am located in the US but welcome questions from other regions of the world. When asking a question please provide specific information: year,model, engine,transmission information. Provide as much information as possible including a brief repair history if possible. I have been a volunteer here for almost ten years an have answered over 16,000 questions helping Toyota owners with their problems without any compensation, some of my answers are published on many other websites via google and other search engines. AllExperts recently added a new feature which allows questioners to donate to experts on the site, any amount of donation is very much appreciated, to make a donation just click on the DONATE button.

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Toyota technician since 1979,expert in electrical systems,OBD systems,engine repair, driveability problems,EFI systems,ASE certified,Toyota master technician.
Certified Hybrid Vehicle technician.

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Toyota master technician, ASE certified in eight catagories, Hybrid vehicle certified. Toyota technical training: Engine Automatic transmission Manual transmission Drivetrain Electrical systems Brakes and chassis Air conditioning Engine performance and diagnostics Hybrid systems

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