Almost all the dashboard warning lights that normally turn off once you start the car - stay on. The car seems to run normally. It started doing this in the middle of the day. I've driven it several miles. Before I take it in to the mechanic, can anyone suggest where to start looking for a possibe DIY fix? Thanks.

Lee and Klaus are talking about the charging circuit. I've never encountered your symptom in an 850, but on a 240 that's classic symptom of a loose alternator belt or faulty alternator.

If you have a voltmeter put it to the battery. With the car off it should read 12-12.5V. Anything less and you've got issues. With the car running it should be charging at around 14-14.5V.

Good Luck,
Will
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854 - 244 - Mini

Yes. Thanks. Checked it today. Meter read 11.92V standing still, 10+V running with no other loads, and 6.8V runnning with lights fan and radio on. The belt looks OK, and is routed in the newer manner. Looks like I'll be pulling the alternator.

Turn off the headlights, the daytime running lights, radio and cabin fan. Conserve the battery. Before you drive anywhere, use a trickle charger to juice up the battery.

It could be the ignition switch. Start the car and move the key around. If the idiot lights turn off, you need to swap out the ignition.

If the lights don't turn off, you alternator is no longer supplying electricity and you are running everything off the battery.

Klaus
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Mistakes make us learn. Beer is for a job well done.

Either the serpentine belt or the alternator, my bet is the latter.

...Lee

Is it a safe to assume that if it was the belt, it would be slipping, and I would hear it? I would hate to replace the alternator when just the belt would do. Thanks.

Of course, you should check the belt first. Easy to do if you are parked, just open the hood and take a look. The hard part is determining what is causing the belt to slip. That could be either the alternator or AC compressor if the AC is engaged.

Klaus
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Mistakes make us learn. Beer is for a job well done.