HELP !!! My '86 4x4 PU, 2.4 22r has had a couple of idiot lights coming and going for over a year. The "Brake" light and the one above it (???) would come halfway on and fade out then be on permanently. I figured it was just a bad diode in the alternator. Today, when I went to start it on my way home from work, the "CHARGE" lite came on bright and stayed on and my gas gauge was shut off showing less than empty on a full tank. I checked the battery with a volt meter with the engine running and it showed 12.4v. And it didn't ever go up, it started going down. I figured the alt. finally gave up the ghost. I replaced it, and it made no difference. Does anyone know what this is? I've run out of cars!!

Start pulling fuses. My money's on the 15a ENG fuse.

Did you have the alternator checked BEFORE you left the parts store? Good habit to get into.

"Lights out" = ??

Thanks for the response. Figured I was ripe for a new alt, so that's no problem.

There were 3 of those bigger ENG type fuses, with the little windows.. 2 came out and tested out ok. The 3rd, I couldn't figure out how to remove it. I LOOKED okay, but I know how that goes. How do you get that one out??

Lights out..2 idiot lights out/replace by one.

If in the engine box, you unscrew the box from the fender and turn it over to unbolt. I don't think that's where your problem is tho. The fact you could start the rig indicates the fusible link is okay.

You also need to be looking under the dash, driver's side kick panel.

That's what I needed to know. Thanks.

Inside fuse, bottom row, middle: marked "ENG". Now AOK. Many thanks.