All the idiot lights are on

BBAC

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
80,000 MILES

Lights are dim, wipers move slow and can't put the car in gear, would that be a battery or alternator problem? Battery light came on and off. While driving the wipers stopped and all dash lights came on so pulled into a parking lot. Turned car off. Wouldn't come back on. Had it towed home. Started it about 4 hours later with no problem but dash lights are still on. The button on the shifter won't go in to shift.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,701 POSTS

If all the lights came on, check to make sure the belt didn't break allowing the battery to die and everything to come on. If that isn't that case, if the check engine light is on, have the computer scanned to identify where the problem is coming from. Most parts stores will do it for free. However, since the lights were dim, the wipers ran slow. It sounds like an alternator problem unless you are on the East Coast and ran through a ton of water causing the belt to slip.

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Friday, September 9th, 2011 AT 1:56 AM

BBAC

MEMBER
4 POSTS

What about not being able to put the car in gear.

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Friday, September 9th, 2011 AT 2:02 AM

BBAC

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Didn't receive an answer about not being able to put the car in gear problem.

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Friday, September 9th, 2011 AT 2:32 AM

BBAC

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I think it said there was a reply when there wasn't. Sorry

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Friday, September 9th, 2011 AT 2:45 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,701 POSTS

There is a park lock solenoid. If there isn't enough power through the brake light switch or the switch is bad, it won't allow you to shift from park.