2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
Sponsored by:

Stopped running, all idiot lights on

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-26-10, 12:31 PM
  #1  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
freq's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 679
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Stopped running, all idiot lights on

Was driving to work yesterday and the car stopped running and all the idiot lights came on. Haven't been able to start it. Whenever I put the key in the on position, all the idiot lights stay on.
Old 08-26-10, 01:06 PM
  #2  
Moderator

iTrader: (1)
 
satch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: tulsa,ok.
Posts: 11,738
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
The idiot lights are supposed to stay on when the key is to on but the engine off. If the lights come on when the engine is running then that means there is generally something wrong with the alternator/charging system, but you don't need an alternator to start the car if the battery is in good shape. Does the engine turn over when you try to start it?

EDIT: Also, check the Black/Yellow wire at either coil w/key to on as it will verify that the EGI INJ fuse is good, and check any of the Black/White wires at the emission solenoids w/key to on as well as that will verify if the EGI Comp fuse is good. If neither the B/Y wire and B/W wire has voltage w/key to on then check the 15 amp Engine fuse in the interior fuse box.
Old 08-26-10, 01:31 PM
  #3  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
freq's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 679
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Engine turns over fine, just as it normally does. While driving the car shut off and the idiot lights immediately came on. I don't remember all idiot lights on when the key in the on position, but I could be wrong.
Old 08-26-10, 01:36 PM
  #4  
Moderator

iTrader: (1)
 
satch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: tulsa,ok.
Posts: 11,738
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Originally Posted by freq
Engine turns over fine, just as it normally does. While driving the car shut off and the idiot lights immediately came on. I don't remember all idiot lights on when the key in the on position, but I could be wrong.
They're designed to come on w/key to on but engine off. Anyway check the items I mentioned and provide us with some feedback.
Old 08-26-10, 01:38 PM
  #5  
Manual Rack

iTrader: (50)
 
FelixIsGod29X's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Wanaque NJ
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Test battery, test alternator at pepboys or something. Replace what fails.
Old 08-26-10, 02:04 PM
  #6  
Top Down, Boost Up

iTrader: (7)
 
RotaryRocket88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
A charging problem fits if the battery now has a reduced charge. Sure it's turning over as fast as it normally does? The warning lights don't always come on if there's a problem charging while the engine is running. If it's borderline, and the battery is just slowly draining, I've seen them stay off until right before the engine stalls. I've had this happen both with corroded terminals and with an alternator that had a failing regulator.
Old 08-26-10, 02:04 PM
  #7  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
freq's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 679
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by satch
They're designed to come on w/key to on but engine off. Anyway check the items I mentioned and provide us with some feedback.
You hit the nail on the head..checked the engine fuse and it was blown. Replaced and started right up. Now I need to figure out why the engine fuse blew.
Old 08-26-10, 02:08 PM
  #8  
Manual Rack

iTrader: (50)
 
FelixIsGod29X's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Wanaque NJ
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Interesting.
Old 08-26-10, 02:50 PM
  #9  
Moderator

iTrader: (1)
 
satch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: tulsa,ok.
Posts: 11,738
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Originally Posted by freq
You hit the nail on the head..checked the engine fuse and it was blown. Replaced and started right up. Now I need to figure out why the engine fuse blew.
Engine fuse powers the Main relay, Circuit Opening relay and the B/W wire connected to the back of the alternator in addition to an item related to automatic transmissions. If you replaced the fuse and turned the key to on and it didn't blow immediately then your problem is not as serious as it could be.
Old 08-26-10, 03:11 PM
  #10  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
freq's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 679
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by satch
Engine fuse powers the Main relay, Circuit Opening relay and the B/W wire connected to the back of the alternator in addition to an item related to automatic transmissions. If you replaced the fuse and turned the key to on and it didn't blow immediately then your problem is not as serious as it could be.
Well, at least I got that going for me ;-). Thanks much for the info, and I'll investigate the above to see if I can figure out why that fuse blew.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
07-01-23 04:40 PM
smikels
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
3
08-18-15 01:26 PM
Leeroy_25
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
4
08-17-15 12:53 PM



Quick Reply: Stopped running, all idiot lights on



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:46 PM.