The dash warning lights come on when the alternator output voltage is low. A flickering of the lights (Christmas dash) is an indication of choppy and/or inconsistent output voltage (should be a smooth and constant). This can be caused by some of the things mentioned above, but is usually caused by failing brushes inside the alternator. If the brushes are at the end of their rope or perhaps stuck and/or fowled by ATF, then this is what happens (see the pics in post #2 of this thread). This can go on for some time, but it is a sign of impending failure. It's been my experience that the brushes will usually fail completely within 6 months/5k miles of Christmas dash. In some cases failure is swift and in others it may take longer. Tim