Shouldn't I get some sort of caution lights when I start the car?
 

Most cars I've driven will light up all caution and warning lights to indicate that they function, then turn them off after five seconds or so.

Should my 82 light up some caution lights?

The tail light indicator comes on, then goes out when I depress the brake pedal like it should. But nothing else.

:confused:

If I'm not mistaken, my '84 does the same thing. Been that way for the last 16 years.

Your "Central Warning Unit" is bad. It is under the foot rest for the driver's left foot. It controls all warning lights including that big exclamation point light. All warning lights should come on when the key is in the on position. There are probably 30 warning lights in your dash that should come on. Of course all your bulbs may be burned out instead but that isn't likely.

My car also had no warning lights. I replaced the CWU with one I bought off Ebay and it was like the dash came alive. I am sure someone rebuilds them but I bought an extra used one off ebay that tested good to have a spare. Find a good unit and replaced your bad one. You'll be amazed at what is monitored.

I knew I was missing some important info at start-up. Thanks. :)

Mine must be out as well. I do have one red light on the console that comes on and then goes off, but no dash lights come on as described. I have an 86 model.

It would be funny to discover a PO had disabled the warning control unit because he was sick of getting warnings. :D

Don't discount that. A lot of us have removed the "!" Bulb from our instrument Panel many moons ago.

Remove bulb. Problem solved. :D

You can get a used brain right now at 928 Woprldwide for $30. Unfortunately, I am an engineer and I like things to work like my timing belt warning light, low brake fluid light, low oil level etc. One day you bulb removers will be cursed by someone who also wants things to work, after hours of troubleshooting, as that crazy PO.

Actually I had problems removing the bulb, so I use needle nost pliers and crushed the bulb. So you are mis-labeling me. I "AM" a "Bulb Crusher!"

I Love It! LOL