We had quite a bit of rain here in Maryland this week. While driving the 86 740 turbo home in the rain, I experienced the dreaded "christmas lights" instrument cluster syndrome. All lights came "on" and stayed on. Voltmeter dropped to nothing and stayed there. I was able to get home without losing power. I waited a couple of days to let things dry out and tried to start the old girl tonight. She started fine. However, the lights...all of em...remain illuminated and the voltmeter registers nothing. I believe I am running on battery alone.

I suspect the alternator is toast or the ground wire from the alternator to the engine has shorted, but have not checked things out as yet. This car also has its original wiring harness which resembles talcum powder, so who knows what circuits got soaked and are shorting out.

Has anyone on the list experienced similar symptoms? Any tips for diagnosing the problem and fixing it?