Dimming Lights

woyster_00z71 · October 16, 2003

I have noticed over the past week or so that my headlights are dimming when I come to a stop or when I am parked, rev the engine and let off. They dim for only a second or two but I know this isn't normal.

What could be the cause? I know it is electrical somewhere but what? Battery, regulator, alternator, something else? Anyone have any experience with this?

Something else that crossed my mind is the 4-way headlight/automatic fog light modification that I did like so many others on this board (the one with wire taps and a relay not the controller). Could this be causing the lights to dim?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

B.J.

Taaaaaaahoe? · October 16, 2003

Does your Idle fluctuate when this happens???

I had an issue with a fluctuating idle sometimes. And would notice my lights dim then (makes sense...less power)

Anyway, last weekend all the stuff I did seemed to help my idle.

-Fuel filter, plugs, wires, cleand MAFS

But if your idle stays in place and your lights dim...im not sure..

Mike

woyster_00z71 · October 16, 2003

Idle stays the same.

Any other ideas?

Tolliverme · October 17, 2003

When your engine is at speed your alternator is putting out somewhere areound 14 volts and this will keep the lights bright. When you get to Idle speed A good strong battery will keep the lights bright even when the alternator is not putting out enough power to keep voltage up.

I would check the connections on the Battery to make sure the are clean, then do a load test on the battery.

An easy check on the battery is to connect a meter to the battery and see whet it reads with all load off. then turn everything on and see if the voltage drops drastically. If voltage stay pretty good (about 12 volts) try starting the vehicle while everything is on and watch the voltage on the Meter. if voltage dropps down to 11 volts or below then your battery may be going away.

This time of year as the weather turn cooler it is not unusual for weak batteries to show up.

If you don't have a meter then most autoparts stores have load tester and will test for free.