Recently when I started my S70 with 214k miles most of the idiot lights came on and the fuel gauge did not work. Other gauges may have also not worked but I am not sure. When I turned off the car and restarted the problem cleared. A few days later the fuel gauge was reading low. Today I got most of the lights again when I restarted the car and again it cleared when I restarted. It may be unrelated but yesterday when I tried to start the car the battery was dead. It is a newer battery so I just figured since I had not driven it in about a week I must have left something on. After charging for about 8 hours it started fine. The alternator was putting out over 15v, maybe a little high. I know when my 740's (407k miles) lights come on I know the alternator has quit. I need to check the alternator next time it happens. Any other ideas?

I did have the battery checked. Voltage was OK but low current. Changed out the battery and the dash light problem has not reoccurred. Thanks.

Brand new batteries do not come fully charged and leaving the car for a week will drain it enough to require a jump. When you trickle charge the battery, try to unplug both terminals for a better charge.

When the alternator stops working, the battery idiot light comes on. I would check the ignition switch; next time that happens, jiggle the keys a little.

Klaus
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The more I learn, the more I forget. So why learn?