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Weird 87 Pathfinder Display


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budcurtis
New User

Jan 2, 2008, 10:02 PM

Post #1 of 4 (1411 views)
post icon Weird 87 Pathfinder Display Sign In

I have an 87 pathfinder that has been through hell, but it still runs. Yesterday it developed an electrical problem where it wasn't charging the battery from the charging meter's point of view. I originally thought it might be a loose alternator belt, but after replacing it, I discovered another issue. The oil, battery, and emergency brake idiot lights come on as soon as I connect the battery. They are on when there is no key in the ignition switch.

I originally suspected a short in the ignition switch and disconnected the ignition switch wires by disconnecting the 5 pin plug from the ignition switch. Even with the switch disconnected the idiot lights come on when the battery is connected. I think that eliminates the switch as part of the problem.

When the engine is started (ignition switch reconnected) the idiot lights go off (except for the emergency brake which is on). With the engine running I put a VOM across the battery, and it reads 13.65 volts. It drops a little when the head lights are turned on (about 13.35). It drops to about 12.5 volts when the heater fan is turned on full blast. I would have thought the headlights would draw a lot more than the heater fan. In all cases the charging meter is slightly below the middle - which is what first made me think it wasn't charging.

Can someone suggest where the problem might be? I don't have an idea of where to look right now.Crazy


Double J
Veteran / Moderator
Double J profile image

Jan 5, 2008, 1:55 PM

Post #2 of 4 (1401 views)
Re: Weird 87 Pathfinder Display Sign In

i'm not familier with the pathfinders ,but just wanted to relay this...

years back occasionally would get gm cars into the shop with the charge and or battery light staying on with the key off.......
due to a faulty alternator....if i remember correctly it was due to a bad diode inside the alternator...
just a thought...


budcurtis
New User

Jan 6, 2008, 10:29 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1397 views)
Re: Weird 87 Pathfinder Display Sign In

You are right on. Another mechanic suggested the same thing and I took the alternator down to Auto-Zone for their check out. The alternator failed all the tests. Once replaced the faulty idiot light(s) problem disappeared. It also would keep a 14V voltage with all the accessories turned on.

Great suggestion. Cool


Double J
Veteran / Moderator
Double J profile image

Jan 6, 2008, 2:19 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1393 views)
Re: Weird 87 Pathfinder Display Sign In

hey thanks for posting back

great to hear all went well and my suggestions helped ( and were right).






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