All the dashboard warning lights are on and do not turn off?

JJBBWLESTER8

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
3.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

When I start the car all the lights are off until I put it in gear. When my son put it on the code reader it says something about a heat sensor. The gas hand doesn't work.
My youngest son passed away and he left the car to his sister so we would love to get it fixed.
It hasn't been driven in a few years but the last time I drove it the car tried to die or at least that's what I thought. I was going down a small hill and the headlights went down low and blinked like they were going to go out.
Please help me figure this out.
I haven't washed the car since my son passed away, so I don't think it's that.
My oldest son has also checked the fuses and they all are good.
My son only had the car for almost 2 years before he passed away, so I don't really know if he was having any problems with it or not.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

First and foremost, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have two sons of my own and can't even imagine what you have been through.

Now, we need to get this car running again. The first thing I have to ask is if the battery is good and fully charged. Based on the description of the last time you drove it; it sounds like the alternator wasn't charging the battery. If the battery gets low enough, it will turn all kinds of lights on. LOL

Let me know about the battery. Also, you indicated the car is starting, so, if possible, I need you to check the alternator output. You will need a simple multimeter or voltmeter.

Follow the directions in this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight. Also, let me know which lights are turning on in the instrument cluster.

Take care,

Joe