All the idiot lights are on

2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
80,000 MILES
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BBAC
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
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.
Sep 8, 2011 at 6:52 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 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.
Sep 8, 2011 at 6:56 PM
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BBAC
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What about not being able to put the car in gear.
Sep 8, 2011 at 7:02 PM
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BBAC
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didn't receive an answer about not being able to put the car in gear problem.
Sep 8, 2011 at 7:32 PM
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BBAC
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  • 4 POSTS
I think it said there was a reply when there wasn't. Sorry
Sep 8, 2011 at 7:45 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 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.
Sep 8, 2011 at 7:57 PM
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CADIEMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,544 POSTS
poss. bad shift handle.remove it and try.
Sep 9, 2011 at 10:52 AM
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