Dash lights come on whilst idling

[Faffer]

Hi
 
Whilst driving along this evening, my oil pressure, add coolant, battery charge and intermittently, the 4WS/ABS lights light up when stopped in traffic/idling. Otherwise, the car appears to drive OK and the fluid temperatures seem normal.
 
I checked the oil and water levels, which appeared to be fine too, although I did notice what appeared to be steam coming from under the bonnet when I was stood in traffic.
 
Anyone know what might be causing this?
 
Last night i was trying to jump-start my other car, which I suspect has a dead battery. I left the jump leads connected for about 10 minutes or so in a vain attempt to charge it. Probably unrelated, but you never know.
 
Any suggestions appreciated.
 
Thanks
 
Frank

[arrouk]

cauld be the alternator?  i know if it isnt charging a load of lights come on in the car. i just cannot remember which.

check the battery voltage at idle, should be 13-14volts.

matt

[RobbieRX-7]

So has this problem only happened since jump starting your other car?. The dash lights illuminating sounds like an ignition problem or alarm problem. A similar thing happened to me after i bought the car out of storage. The radio, wipers stopped working but the dash lights came on. I never found the problem and it has never happend again since.

[Jit]

id say your alternators had it....

[Faffer]

OK, thanks guys. Most likely electrical rather than mechanical damage then
 
Jit, do you happen to have a spare alternator lying around that you fancy fitting to my car? :p

[Jit]

actually..having just re-read that, i might be wrong..i thought you said you had to jump start your car!.... although my gut feeling is still the alternator! I might have a spare lying around....will have to have a look!

[adib]

i had the same was the connector that goes in to the alternator had come loose, cheak that and all so the wire as they were cracked and touching one another on mine.