I cleaned my battery terminals and wiring, then when I started it up it flashed a code on the display. Then I pressed the check button, it read the BATT symbol and a picture of a battery. What sets off this code and how do I fix it? Its on a 79 280zx

 

Ok I can help with this because I just fixed it, if youu car still had it there would be a little plug that you would screw onto one of the caps for your battery, now if it was taken off, look for a green wire with a yellow strip should be next to you battery probably hanging down by the starter hook this up to the positive terminal on your batt, that will clear up the problem

 

...or possibly your alternator is going out or already dead.

 

While we're on the topic of the warning system. Every once in awhile, the Brakelight warning comes on, suggesting that a bulb or something is burned out. But everything works fine. And then the next time I start the car, the warning has reset itself and it's all fine. Not a big deal, but just wondering if there's any "bright" ideas (no pun intended ^^).

 

Mine consistantly said the brake had a problem for a couple years even though all the lights worked. Then when I noticed I had one tail light bulb out, I replaced all the brake and turn signal bulbs in the back. I did that just so they were all new since I would have the tail light housings open anyway.
After that point the brake warning went away.

 

I can't find the green wire with the yellow stripe. Also, the aternator is brand new no diodes leaking voltage, voltmeter says everything OK. What else can I suspect?

 

hey guys, I know I'm bringing up a dead thread but I was wondering if this is the correct way to fool the sensor into thinking that the battery still has water? I'm just a little leery about hooking up straight 12V to a wiring system that I'm still new to, thanks again

 

I hooked mine straight to the + side of the batt. No damage and it has it fooled.

 

Perfect, thank you Sir, much obliged

 

Your welcome.