So I'm driving back from a friends place tonight, and I notice since starting my 98 se that it's whining kinda funny. About a minute into the drive, the battery light comes on, so I'm thinking something with the alt going bad maybe. But in addition to the battery light, the parking brake light is on too. The brake light is dimmer than the battery light, and gets brighter when I actually put the ebrake on, but it won't go out, even after turning the car off and on. I can understand the battery light, but what's up with the brake light?

 

Your alternator is done. Replace it.

 

I figured, but why the brake light?

 

It's just the car's way of saying that the Alternator is failing/failed. That is, when the battery and brake lights turn on simultaneously.

 

Oh, ok. Didn't know that. Thanks.

Any thoughts on a good replacement alt?

 

Anywhere except Autobone

 

If you can afford it, get one from the dealer. Try Dave Burnette, he might be able to give you a deal (might not, dunno) 888-254-6060. And is there a chance you fall under the alternator recall?

 

Do recalls ever expire? I checked out the VIN ranges and my car falls within it. The recall was in 02. I didn't own the car then but I have all the guys maintenence records (he was meticulous) and it has no mention of it. Could I still possibly have it done?

 

my brake light has only turned on when I had low brake fluid level. since my car doesn't have the check engine light(don't know why) it seems to be the tell all light for my 2nd gen