dash lights flickering

[bluedemon]

Hi everyone! I just took my van to have a 02 sensor repaired so I can pass emissions. On the way to drop it off my air bag light would come on then shut off. It did this a couple of times and then I saw the interior dash lights flicker. After that my battery light would come on and it felt like the RPM was higher than normal. I just put a brand new battery in it. I have a feeling I know what people are going to say- THE DREADED ALTERNATOR. I would like to get some input on this if I could. Why would my air bag light come on if it was the alternator.

Also I have the anti-lock brake light that comes on but every time I shut the car off and start it back up the light is off. Until I start moving then it goes on again. Does that sound like a speed sensor? I was looking for a place to have it checked out on this site but it sounds like auto zone doesn't do that?? Do I need to take it to a stealership? Thank you for your help guys!

 

[EaOutlaw]

Recheck the connections at the battery and jump connections. if your battery cables and cable ends are original and in good shape test the voltage at the battery with a DVOM, start the vehicle and make sure the alternator is charging.

If you do not have a DVOM just go to AutoZone tor a battery and charging system test.

Yes have them check the new battery ( NEW = never ever works )

If your alternator is not working or you have a bad connection this can play havoc on the computer and electrical system causing lights to flicker and warning lights to come on.

pretty much ignore any and all trouble codes and warning until you have confirmed the battery, cables and connections and alternator is working properly.

once you have done this we can help guide you through the other needed diagnostic work if needed.

 

[bluedemon]

Okay thank you EAOutlaw. I will find out if my mechanic will look at it and let you know later today. Otherwise I know what to look for when I get it back. I did test it when I dropped it off with this LED gauge. You plug in the cigarette lighter and it has 3 different color lights. Red for bad, yellow for caution and green for good. It was lighting up mostly green but a yellow light was dimly lighting up. According to my lighting diagram that meant the battery was under charging slightly.

 

[EaOutlaw]

Just recently I had a battery light on the dash for my Ford ranger.
With a brand new red top Optima battery and good connections to my battery and cable ends plus a confirmed charging alternator.

It turned out the one of the terminal ends was a Aftermarket audio battery terminal end that used a set screw to secure the battery cable to the cable end, this connection looked good the screw was tight with no sign of corrosion, yet that set screw connection was the cause for my light.

Replacing the battery terminal ends corrected the problem.

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[bluedemon]

Well my mechanic said he couldn't get the o2 sensor out because it is in such an odd place. He can't get his hands in there and he has a lift. He thinks his friend will get it but he said he hasn't seen anything like it and he's been working on cars for 35 years! Where the heck is the o2 sensor (bank 1 I think) on a 2002 Pontiac Montana? He also said that my frame behind the back axle was cracked so he welded it up the best he could. He will check the battery connections tomorrow to make sure everything is tight but he said he took it for a ride and no lights came on or flickered.

 

[bluedemon]

Well I got my o2 sensor put in. I also had the alternator replaced and then I had the old one tested and it tested good! I had the person who did this check my ABS light and he said that all the sensors are working but he thinks it could be a broken wire under the rug. He wasn't getting a signal to the back wheels. That is why he thinks they aren't working. I know I fixed 5 sets of wires already so I must of missed 1. Does anyone know what color the wires are for the antilock brake sensors so I can narrow it down. Thankyou