All dashboard lights are on

1998 HONDA ACCORD
180,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ROXANNE HISER
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  • 3 POSTS
I have a 1998 Honda Accord LX Coupe. When driving, all of the dash lights came on. We pulled over, turned off the car and restarted it. All the lights are still on and there is a little bit of smoke. What do you think it might be?
Dec 1, 2010 at 9:34 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,244 POSTS
Where is the smoke coming from? Also, have you checked the accessory belt?
Dec 1, 2010 at 9:39 AM
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ROXANNE HISER
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A small amount of smoke came out of the left side of the hood. The accessory belt appears good, and the ground wire coming off the negative battery post appears to be clean and tight.
The light which remain on are the "Battery Charge", "Parking Brake Applied", and the "Doors and Trunk all Open" indicators.
The other dash lights go out after engine start. I have started the car several times since and dont get any smoke, just indicators.
Dec 3, 2010 at 3:55 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Try this... remove the neg battery terminal for 5 minutes and reconnect it to see if that resets the lights. Let me know if it helps.
Dec 5, 2010 at 9:12 PM
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ROXANNE HISER
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We did that. It didn't work. We found out it was actually the alternator. Replaced that and now we are good to go. Thank you for all of your help!
Dec 6, 2010 at 9:52 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,244 POSTS
That is good news. I'm glad you found the problem. I guess the smoke came from the alt.

Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
Dec 7, 2010 at 6:53 AM
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