several dash warning lights came on

[peterpa5]

Several of the dash warning lights have come on in my '87 944. Currently, when the car is running the "Brake Pad," "Brake Fluid Level," low oil pressure, and exclamation lights all come on and remain on when driving. However, the brakes and brake fluid level are fine, and the oil pressure gauge shows that I have normal oil pressure.

When I bought the car 3 weeks ago no warning lights were on. I drove the car about 200 miles / 5 hours home and no warning lights illuminated on the road. I work in a body shop, so the car spent the next two weeks at work while I was doing various things to it.

Some things I did to the car that might relate to this issue:
- I replaced the timing and balance belts, water pump and thermostat. Also removed alarm horn while in there as alarm system does not work on car.
- Painted the car. Required me to temporarily remove exterior lights and mirrors.
- Disconnected and reconnected battery
- Bled brakes and topped off fluid
- Also, the outer sheathing was badly frayed or non-existent on some of the brake sensor wire harnesses going from engine compartment to wheels exposing the wires within. I used electrical tape to group inside wires together.

I am not really sure what I did to bring these lights on. I am hoping that they are on because of a larger electrical fault (such as a bad ground) as opposed to a problem with each system. Also was wondering if the previous owner cleared dash lights and that they have come back on after disconnecting/reconnecting battery. Would welcome any ideas.

Thanks,
Peter

[bearone2]

brake pad, says pads worn down, not killing the rotor yet but need att'n but frayed wire/s may be grounded, turning on the lite.

bfl, brake fluid below bottom line, re-bleed.

low op, more than a qt low.
i wouldn't have the lite when 1st started but if i stopped anyplace and restarted, the low lite came on until oil was added.

the lite's out when all the oil is in the crankcase but stop, restart, oli's in the filter and registers low with the lite.

only from '87 on, not on the '86.

[djnolan]

a couple of basic checks in any order:
batt voltage and the alternator output.
see if you crossed any wires up when you reconnected the lights.
do the lights all work?
check to see if you have any blown or missing fuses.
did you disconnect any ground wires perhaps?

[peterpa5]

Thanks for your help. So you don't think that that lights represent problems the PO tried to cover up and only emerged when unhooked and reconnected battery? I'll look into your suggestions. I know that the lights and fuses all work. I don't remember disconnecting any ground wires but I'll double check. I'll check voltages and look to see if I crossed any wires.

[djnolan]

my suggestions are just a start as you don't want to overlook something simple.

the taped up brake wires you described is the next area i would check as a short in these wires could cause the symptomse you have. if there is a fuse for the brake warnng system maybe pulling it is another possible test. a short or problem in one circuit could have unpredictable results and show up in other places.

check all items electrical to see if there are any other problems that might provide a clue.