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Question I have a 90 Chevy Corsica, 4dr, 4cyl, w/air. I replaced the starter, and when re-connecting the negative battery terminal I drew a large spark. I disconnected the left battery terminal and re-checked connections at the starter solenoid and found the locating tangs of the battery cable terminal had not been inserted correctly in the groves in the solenoid cap. The terminal had rotated while tightening so that one of the tangs was touching the nut on the small terminal post of the solenoid. I corrected the error and re-connected the negative battery terminal. The engine started and ran OK. However, the turn signal and high beam indicators on the instrument panel are now on all the time whether the ignition is on or off, engine running or not. Also, the windshield washer/wiper, heater blower and fuel gauge (analog type) are inoperative. The turn signals function and the appropriate turn signal indicator blinks (the opposite one stays on). The high beam indicator functions when lights are on, but I believe it is reversed; i.e. it shows "on" on low beam and "off" on high beam. I'm suspecting blown alternator diodes, although the alternator light did not come on, I checked alternator output at the battery. At idle, battery terminal voltage was about 14.4 volts--engine off battery voltage was about 12.8 volts. I also checked the 3 fusible links on the wiring harness connected to the starter solenoid and all 3 showed continuity. The alternator does have a very faint high-pitched "squeal" or "hum" when the battery is connected and the ignition switch is off or on. (Engine not running) Any help in pointing a direction to look would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob ps: All fuses are good, and instrument panel indicator lights noted are on with fuses out of the circuits!

Reply Thanks for the e-mail, Bob. It is possible that you could have a diode problem and still have OK charging voltage but this is not likely the cause. It sounds like you may have a problem with voltage back-feeding through one or more circuits. I would double-check all grounds/voltage feeds and go from there. A wiring diagram of the affected circuits may be helpful in locating the common link in each circuit. You can find one of these in your local library or book store. Good luck. Let us know if you have any other questions. Angelo Silverado Auto Service