tc_emcee

hello,

I have a 1990 LS400 and for about the past 2 weeks when i start the car my dash illuminates with all the warnings and then the radiator, oil, taillights and one other warning stay illuminated for about a minute and then go away. if shut the car off and start it again this doesn't happen, if the car sits for more than an hour it happens. there are no issues with the radiator. oil, or taillights and i am guessing this is a code trying to tell me something but i have no idea really. any advice or thoughts are appreciated.

steve2006

Hi,
Read the codes 1st to see if there are any stored ones.
There have been cases where a worn out battery have caused this problem.

tc_emcee

thanks for your response Steve, thats what i thought too as my battery had died because of the cold (live in Minnesota and have to park outside) i replaced the battery a few days ago and I'm still getting the warning light codes. So i'm stumped. i will look into it more.

trukn1

Sounds like the beginning phase of your alternator going out.

tc_emcee

Trukn1 if this is true that sucks. I've heard only horror stories of having to replace the alternator. I guess now it wont come as such a shock when it does go out. no good. what are the next phases i have to look forward to?

tc_emcee

so check it out... i go to start my car on my lunch break and it wont turn over i think it just went out. this should be fun

steve2006

Replacing the alternator is not too bad,it's a bit tight in there but do able,it's the starter motor that's the nightmare job.
If you find the alternator is full of power steering fluid make sure you sort that out as well (O ring on reservoir) or you will be back in there doing it again.

tc_emcee

I've just done some looking around and that's what it was, my power steering pump has had a leak and I didn't realize it would kill my alternator.... so now i will be replacing both. I now know what my problem was and is. thanks for the support and responses.