the shemdogg

Hey folks, all my dash lights light up when the car is running, all of them very dim until I rev the motor, then they all get brighter. None of the lights are "fully on" and everything works fine. Its been like this for quite a while now just wondering if anyone has any ideas?

thANKs
shem

heres the beast
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/319783

Lorinser880

Have you tried adjusting the rheostat? Same button for the trip odometer, turn it to the right.

bjay51d

Sounds like theres a heavy load on the eletrical system.Do you have a stereo system(amps) ?I have the same problem and it has a brand new alternator.And A new refurbished battery.I think Im gonna get rid of the battery and get a optimum red top.I that doesnt hepl I might have to upgrade the alternator.

I would just take it to a shop and have them check ththe charge coming from the alt also get the battery checked.

Musikmann

I don't think any of the rheostat settings would make the lights vary according to the engine RPM. I'm more in agreement with bjay51d here.

mgw_300e

bjay51d

I just checked out his car on car domain.He has almost every electrical thingabob he could get his hands on in that car.I would just shoot for the alternator if I were him.

Musikmann

I agree - the alternator would be a good starting point (might even be the total fix), and should not be terribly expensive either.

the shemdogg

Yes I do have 2 amps (nothing Huge), 2 sets of fog lights, some extra gauges, new style headlamps, and some pedals that light up. I put the bigger alternator in from the newer models, didn't seem to help. The rheostat knob doesn't do anything for it. now what? thanks for the responses people.

shem

Lorinser880

Try looking for a 100 or 120 Amps alternator & a higher capacity battery. Check also with shops that do sound set-ups, ask what battery they use.

the shemdogg

yeah, I guess it is time to change the battery, Its been 5 years. I drive it only 3 times a month(always in the work truck) but it always starts right up. I change the battery and see if that fixes it. Thanks peoples.

shem

bjay51d

I was told that stinger makes a very good deep cycle battery & they also do high output alts

Bassist

In fact I attribute it to the rough idle at start-up. I haven't checked this yet but I beleive it to be the over voltage protection relay. It's behind the battery. On my 88 300E it's silver with a black top and has a plastic door on the top which protects a 10 amp fuse. If I find anything else I'll let you guys know.

shadowgriffen

It's your alternator, 100%. The same thing happened to me when I first bought my wagon 4 years ago. All the dash lights were lit, every-single-one-of-them. I replaced the alternator and everything went back to normal.