When I start the car the engine (charging) light stays on together with parking brake warning light. Then I turned the head lights on and the engine light and the parking brake light went off. Now when I start the car the engine and parking brake lights stay on and when I turn the lights on both warning lights go off. When the car is running and I turn the lights off the warning lights stay off. Any idea what’s going on? What could be the problem?

 

Check to see if you have any codes stored. Sounds like you might have a bad relay or fuse.

 

Do you have any problems with the lights (i.e. turn signal stay on) ?
It can be a short somewhere.

 

All lights are working, all fuses are OK. When the parking brake is released and warning light stays on the day time running lights are off (it’s a Canadian model). When I turn the headlights on the engine and parking warning lights go off.

 

That warning light combo is a surefire sign that your alternator is bad and not putting out sufficient charge. Expect for the car to die at a stoplight (or, as in my case, in a McDonald's drive-thru) any day now, depending on how bad the alternator is.

Double-check to make sure the alternator wiring is good and not shorting out anywhere, then use a voltmeter/multimeter to test the alternator (very easy to do). I give it a 90% chance your alternator is shot and needs to be replaced.

 

Another 01 AE with a bad alternator.

If you have an exteneded warranty, then lucky you. If not be prepare to pay for parts and labor. If you're brave enough, you could also DIY.

 

how ironic! I just got done changing my alternator. Believe me when I say it's a PITA!!!! I'll do a write up.

BTW: autozone, pepboys and all the others are around 180, stealerships are around 210 for a rebuilt or 300 for new. I opted for new.