Warning Lights - Strange??

[Papasmithnc]

See if you guys can figure this out.

Had just started driving my 1994 J30 with 94k when I noticed that the brake light, battery light and, the transmission warning lights were all on at the same time. In my experience with older cars, I thought that the alternator was shot. Took it into a mechanic and was told that the alternator was working and since it was a 94, he didn't have the connectors to check the codes.

While he was explaining to me his findings and I was paying the diagnostic charge, the car was left running. When I went out to the car, lo and behold, the warning lights were off. Me and the mechanic scratched our heads and I left.

I have driven the car around 300 miles since then and the lights came on one more time in the morning after sitting all night. The lights again disappeared when I reved up the engine.

I know these warning lights did not come on for nothing and I am sure are signaling a upcoming problem. Since I am planning a cross country trip, I am concerned that the problem that these warning lights were pointing to is going to leave me stranded somewhere. There are a lot of desolate places out west.

Any ideas??? I am still leaning toward an alternator problem or perhaps an electrical gremlin.

Thanks in advance.

[naladude911]

Maybe its a wiring problem? Idk, but good luck sorting this thing out

[kbflip02]

i have a 94 also and the smae thing happened to me last week...then my alternator took a crap on me....before i bought a new one i had it tested at autozone...have fun changing it though....

[gr8scott72]

Without a doubt, it's the alternator.

[Jakw]

+1 For the alternator. If you're still driving it, expect to get towed or have it fixed within a day or two.

[xxcrashxx]

yea, give it a week or so, and the lights will be on constantly. then ur alternator will crap out on ya. happened to me in my 95 J. scared the crap outta me tho, radar detector would just randomly beep, signaling there wasnt enough power to it, then radio wouldnt turn on. next morning, car wouldnt start.

here was the post with my situationhttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=283950

[StevieRaySTL]

Without a doubt, it's the alternator.

-- I second that emotion, my alternator is new as of last week. Luckily she didn't die on me, I just had an inkling, tested it and sure enough it was only working at half capacity. GL OP.

[Freddie75150]

with my 96 j30 i had the check engine light come on and go off so nothing happened but later it did overheat. But now I have a 97 j30 now and the abs stay on.

[Jakw]

That's kind of 'new thread' material...

But it's your ABS relays. Maybe loose, but probably dead.

[Papasmithnc]

Yeah, it was the alternator. I did buy a refurbished one from Autozone. Since there has been some debate on the reliability of these alternators, i will keep the forum posted if it dies prematurely.

Good news is that I found a shop in Las Vegas to put it on for $80.00.