dim dashboard lights

[miami man]

93 festiva gl with airconditioning

as i drive my dashboard lights go dim and the battery light comes on sometimes and when i use the blinkers the battery light comes on sometimes. it mainly happens at night now the car would not start this morning and the other mornings it would start up with no problem after sitting all night.

[cyrus]

maybe bad battery? go get it tested. free usually at auto stores. if it's good, maybe the starter? not sure.

[FB71]

your alternator is starting to drop out. Check the alternator belt first. Make sure it's tight, and not glazed or cracked. It should only deflect about 1/2inch when pushed on. If that looks ok, go to your local McParts (AutoZone, Kragen, Advance, etc), and ask them to load test both the battery and the alt. Its most likely the belt slipping, or brushes in the alt are worn out.

[scitzz]

I agree ^^^^

[WmWatt]

The battery warning light comes on when the battery is discharging which means the alternator is not supplying enough juice. As FB71 wrote the belt which drives the alternator could be slipping from stretching or from dirt and oil. That would be the cheapest to fix. If not then the alternator itself may be need of an overhaul or replacement. Some auto parts stores test alternators for free. There is also a chance it could be the wiring.