85 4KSQ - dash lights problem

[Ed Kellock]

In my urq, someone got really creative with "accessories" such as a brake 
light defeat switch and replacing every blank in the instrument cluster 
surround with actual switches, only one of which actually operated 
everything, then wiring their illumination with lamp cord. Oh yeah, there 
was the headlight washers too, I forgot about that as soon as I yanked that 
octopus. My goal was to remove any and all non factory wiring. I have a box 
full of it now. My radio has still not been reinstalled. Nevertheless, lots 
of stuff works a lot better now.
 Ed
 On 9/9/05, Rory <armodis at speakeasy.net> wrote: 
> 
> Searching through the forums for solutions to electrical problems can go 
> on
> forever ;-)
> 
> My 85 4000 S Quattro has an electrical problem with a few of the dash 
> lights.
> 
> All of the outside lights work properly.
> 
> When I start the car the turn signal indicator in the dash starts to 
> flash, but
> the exterior turn signals do not come on. When voltage increases to 13+ 
> volts,
> the turn signal indicator stops flashing and the alternator and emergency 
> brake
> warning lights illuminate. When the turn signals are activated, the 
> alternator
> and brake light flash at the same rate as the turn signals, but 
> alternating
> between the two.
> 
> Generally speaking, when I accelerate the turn signal indicator and the 
> oil
> warning lights flash in unison, alternating with the emergency brake 
> warning
> light. The rate at which they flash is the same as when I activate the 
> turn
> signals. While this is happening the alternator warning light remains 
> illuminated.
> 
> The car has had an after market stereo installed which has a lot of engine
> noise. This usually indicates a bad ground to the stereo, and based on 
> what I
> have read this seems like a possible culprit. I read something about 
> corroded
> tail light assemblies needing to be cleaned, the need to individually 
> ground
> tail lights, sender issues, and someone suggested the voltage stabilizer 
> for the
> dash could be blown.
> 
> If anyone has a suggestion on where to start, I would really appreciate 
> the help.
> 
> Thanks again,
> Rory
> 
> SF, CA
> '85 4000 S Quattro
> '89 CRXsi
> '76 914
> 
> PS My Bentley manual is on the way =)
> 
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