Gr8ful

'91 stock vert

With ignition in on & start positions there is a loud, constant buzz and all the idiot lights stay on (air bag light eventually goes out).

Once the engine starts or the ignition is turned back to off or accessory position the buzzing stops and the idiot lights go out. It is annoying and I can't check my engine error codes!

Have searched forums, but have not found this specific problem discussed.

Thanks if you are with me so far!

Josepi

Check your alternator per FSM or haynes manual. Generally, when all the idiot lights come on while the engine is running, it is a sign of a bad alt, or voltage regulator (within alt). Check your oil and coolant levels while your at it.

Gr8ful

Idiot lights go out and buzzing stops after the engine is started; it is when I turn the key to on (to lower/raise top) or when I am turning the ignition to start the car that I get that obnoxious beep.

From what I have been reading, maybe I just need do some major resoldering - I have other unrelated (I believe) electrical issues: flashing clock; intermittent, intermittent wipers; brights won't stay on, seat belt light constantly flashing, periodic weird buzz - the standard stuff!

Thanks for the possible cures.

Icemark

It sounds to me (and maybe I didn't understand your description) but it sounds to me like it is all working exactly right.

With the Key in the On position, but the car not running all the idiot lights should be on, as well as the seat belt buzzer. This should continue through the Crank position. This action is part of the pre-run diagnostic for the car.

They should turn back off when the key is in the Acc position or when the car is running.

So maybe I missed something, but it sounds exactly right.

Gr8ful

You may be right and maybe I just ought to ignore the buzz, but let me try to explain it better. It is a high pitched, loud and constant buzz. The seat belt **** is beeping at the same time but I can hardly hear it over the the loud BUZZ. "What's the buzz, tell me what's happening (the Who, may they rest in peace)".

The buzz that I insist on having an issue with can be heard anytime the key is in the on position or anytime it is in the start position prior to the engine starting. Not a pleasant sound when raising or lowering the top.

I only recently started hearing the buzz and recently when I couldn't get the engine started I couldn't check the error codes because the idiot lights wouldn't go out until the engine started - major Catch 22! Isn't it the blinking check engine light (or one of the lights) that gives you the codes?

Is it possible that the idiot lights are suppose to be on momentarily when you first put the key in the on or start position and that the buzz is errant?

The only thing harder for me than trying to ignore the buzz is trying to describe it and its circumstances! Thanks for trying to understand my description.

Icemark

Ahhh so its the Buzz... well a couple of things can cause the buzz, but the first thing I would look at would be the oil level sensor on the oil pan. It shouldn't cause a buzz unless the oil is low, but it or the radiator fluid level are the two things that cause the scream.

Matlock

It sounds fine to me too! If I went to the parking lot right know, and put my key in to the start position all my idiot lights come on. Every car I have used does that. I think mine even buzzes for a minute then goes away. Sounds fine to me.