i just recently picked up an 82 rx7 and the lights in the gauge cluster at the bottom ( warning lights ) are flickering on and off as i drive. almost seems like a wire is moving around as i drive or something. anyone ever experience this problem where maybe you can lead me to look at a specific spot?

it was doing it about a week ago and then stopped. i drove the car last night and it didnt do it, this morning leaving for work it did it again. i noticed the one day starting it the lights all stayed on, i jiggled the key in the cylinder abit and they shut off.

is this a ECU wire shortage or what, any help appreciated.

oh yeah i notice when the heater is on full blast it draws enough current i guess that the lights dont flicker, same if the headlights are on or if the turn signal is on.

thanks for the help

 

i really need some help
i just need a direction to start looking
the only conclusion i can come up with is that the wires are grounding out somewhere, but where do the wires run exactly?
would it just be from the gauge cluster to the ECU?
ECU is located near passenger feet, right?
just like 2nd gen or no?

 

The ECU is under the passenger floorboard, but that can't be the problem. First gens are much more simple than the 2nd gens in terms of electrical. The ECU on your '82 is really an Emissions Control Unit and just takes care of those solenoids and such related to emissions.

Now for what it could be. All the warning lights will come on if the alt is not charging. If that weren't blinking and just came on, it could be a broken alt belt, a bad alt, or faulty wiring. Have the alt tested just to be sure. It is usually free at most places like autozone. Also, check the plug in the back of the alt to make sure it isn't lose or the wire are damaged/shorting. If both those check out, there is also a relay that is called the Choke & Check relay. It is located on the drivers side near the master cylinder. I will have to check to get more info as to exactly which one it is. The plug on it could be lose or maybe the relay is going bad.

I would check these first and we can go from there.

Kent

 

Clean up the connections on the Battery first, and see if that fixes it...

 

Check / clean / retighten battery ground cable at all connecting points.