re
msg Ian (feb-26-2001)
I have a Model F (executive) from 1986. The problem descibed by Ian (two warning lights 'just' get on without any specific reason) also occurs in my car.
However, I got 3 lights on at the same time. (That's why 'we' call it the X-mas tree lightning). I think I have almost inspected anything I can think of, but I couldn't repair the 'error'. My dealer also can't think of anything ... The only thing I could detect - as a pattern - is that this spontaneous lightning has to do with the (OUTSIDE) temperature. I have this car since 1994, and ever since temperatures are above, say, 25 degrees celsius (in short
in summer) the lights get on after a short while. Whereas it never happens in the winter. So I suspect it has to do with either a lack of cooling INSIDE the dashboard OR with an minsicule shift (due to high temperature) of the print-circuit in the dashboard.
(Forget the idea of a relation between the lights and the number of RPM
I checked that out and with sufficient high temperature outside the car, the lights went on after a couple of minutes)
Greetings, Carolus, The Nehterlands - (#1170) Carolus Grutters, 3 Oct 01

Hi Carolus,
Are you experiencing any problems with the vehicle when you experience the "xmas tree" effect or is that the only problem - the warning lights coming on? Does your vehicle have an ECU (if you have you will have a warning light, the shape of an engine with "CHECK" above it)? Could be an intermittent fault on the alternator or IC regulator but if so you should be getting charging problems. If the problem doesn't last for long periods and it is the charging system, it could be recovering before it presents you with a problem. Without more detail it is hard to say. It may be one of those faults that you need for it to get worse or fail before you can identify it.
HTH
Ian - (#1171) Ian Dunse, 3 Oct 01

Interesting you mention this. When I go into corners too sharply, my handbrake light comes on. The handbrake is fully released and the rear wheels do not get hot. So I thought, it might just be the sensor and did not bother to investigate.
Holger - (#1172) Holger Laux, 4 Oct 01

try topping up your brake fluid... - (#1175) David Miller, 4 Oct 01

It may be the temperature relationship may in fact be relative humidity in the air, as the amount of water the air can hold is affected by temperature. That might point to an earthing fault. - (#1190) Stephen Judge, 6 Oct 01