Chrysler Repair: 95 eagle summit wagon, voltage gauge, engine coolant

Question
Lights on instrument panel came on-battery, engine coolant light,brake warning light.  Little power in windshield wipers.  Car does start tho.  What could be the cause of this?  Battery? alternator?  Help  Thanks.  Micki

Answer
Hi Micki,
I am sorry to say that I don't have any reference materials or personal experience with the Eagle Summit. But it does sound like the voltage on the electrical circuits is below par. Is there a voltage gauge on the dash? If so see where it is reading. If not, then the battery light is determinative that the voltage is below the level to keep that light from operating. It could be the battery, particularly if it is nearing the end of its warrantied life. If the battery still has a good number of month left then it is more likely that the alternator may have failed, or that the control of the alternator function is compromised. Many auto parts stores will test your battery and some will even test the alternator. If the warning lights are staying on, even if you raise the rpm with no large current draws on the system, then I think you will need to check the alternator function and if that is o.k. then to check the engine controller which has a circuit and a single wire that turns the alternator on and off to produce the desired voltage level.
Roland