Ok... so obviously the charge light comes on, alternator is bad or connection is bad.

But the two lights come on randomly. It's a 87 2wd 22R.

they both come on, and dont stay on. on for a bit at random times when you're driving.

I checked all the connections with the alternator/battery etc and it's all good. It's what my dad uses to commute to/from work everyday so i just got wind of the issue today and took a peak at it.

remember, the parking brake light comes on same time, hehe. Thats making me think it's some short or ground or something wiring related inside the steering column and/or dash.

Ideas?

 

The E brake light and charge light are wired like that. Both come on with a electrical issue.

Have you checked belt tension is he getting any squeals .

When does the problem occur when pulling out from a stop ?? when coming to a stop?? Have you had or done any major engine work as to maybe pinch a wire some where.

Now another thing the wire off the B terminal of the alternator becomes brittle with age could cause the problems.

These grounding systems were marginal at best when new 20 plus years it might be time to up grade.

 

Mine did that a couple months back, the alternator needed new brushes put in it.

highway

 

it means your voltage is low. my 87 did it for years and it wasn't until i put in a voltmeter gauge that i realized what it meant. everytime the parking light and charge light came on my voltage was a little lower then usual, like around 12 volts or less. so you may have a loose connection or a bad alt. but mine was random and i never did change anything and it isn't usually a problem. maybe just an unavoidable gremlin. good luck.

 

This happend to me a few weeks ago. Before you spend any money check the connections at the alternator. Mine had come loose from vibration etc. Pushed the plug back in lights went away. Everything is working fine again.

 

If you wait until weird stuff starts happening like you signal and your radio dies, then DON'T shut off the motor as the starter won't have enough juice to start.