02 Sunfire electrical issues

zsl0009

Daughter called tonight, drivers side headlight is dim compared to passenger, Trac off light - service engine light - theft light all came on, horn doesn't work nor do door chimes, speedometer fuel and temp gauges all dropped to 0 while driving ....... but if she hits the brake pedal all the warning lights go away and the gauges start to show values again .... then back to previous state when letting off the pedal - any ideas for me to checkout/chase down tomorrow? Could all of these be tied to one core issue?

Mr_Shiftright

yes could be a failing alternator or battery. A drop in the car's system voltage can cause all kinds of malfunctions. By all means check the charging system with a voltmeter, and if that's ok, haul out the battery and take in into some chain store than can load test it. Also check your grounds---battery to frame, engine to frame. And of course, the tightness and cleanliness of your positive battery lead.