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[Z06] Headlights dimming?!?!?!?!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 243
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From: Purcellville, VA
Headlights dimming?!?!?!?!
I have been noticing that occasionaly my headlights will dim for a second and then return to normal. I have noticed that the gauge for the alternator drops from about 14V to about 13V when this happens and then starts to charge right up again. Also noticed that if I put a load on the system like pushing the window button that it also drops for a moment. Anyone with this problem or had this problem that wants to chime in? 
Mike
Mike
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
Originally Posted by forsvette
I have been noticing that occasionaly my headlights will dim for a second and then return to normal. I have noticed that the gauge for the alternator drops from about 14V to about 13V when this happens and then starts to charge right up again. Also noticed that if I put a load on the system like pushing the window button that it also drops for a moment. Anyone with this problem or had this problem that wants to chime in?
Mike
Mike
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Purcellville, VA
Good advice and I will check that. How about the serp. belt slipping, would that cause this problem also? I have no data on this, just a thought. It probably would affect other things as well if that were the case. Thanks.
Mike
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,394
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From: Bay Area CA
I replaced the original battery in my early 01 z06 with a red top about 2 weeks ago and I have yet to notice the "dimming" headlights that I used to see quite often with the OE battery. I also notice that the voltage will run between 14.2 and 14.3 the majority of the time now with the occasional flash of 14.4 with the new red top vs the 13.8 to 14.1 I used to get out of the OE battery.
I need to do the big 3
Fej
I need to do the big 3
Fej
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Purcellville, VA
I have a red-top in my Z as well. I replaced it when I saw the OE battery doing the "bulge". The battery sat for quite a while before I installed it so I had it checked and re-charged and all was well with the red-top. I will check the other stuff as well. Thanks.
Mike
Mike
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Hi Guys -
this is common to all of them as far as I can tell -
I have two C5's and both of them do it, one has an optima red top, the other a "regualr" delco battery -
I think it is the cooling fans kicking on and the regulator is slow to act. It also happens when the AC compressor kicks on - the defroster will spin the compressor as well as the air conditioning.
Nothing to be worried about, or to fix. I think they "just do it..."
Best Regards -
mqqn
this is common to all of them as far as I can tell -
I have two C5's and both of them do it, one has an optima red top, the other a "regualr" delco battery -
I think it is the cooling fans kicking on and the regulator is slow to act. It also happens when the AC compressor kicks on - the defroster will spin the compressor as well as the air conditioning.
Nothing to be worried about, or to fix. I think they "just do it..."
Best Regards -
mqqn
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 16,106
Likes: 473
happened on my '99, and it happens on my '04 z. i've got a new red top battery in there, so battery ain't the cause. my opinion: don't worry about it.
it's chevy's way of saying, "our flagship corvette customers have been putting up with stupid & annoying quirks for 50 years, so why stop now?"
it's chevy's way of saying, "our flagship corvette customers have been putting up with stupid & annoying quirks for 50 years, so why stop now?"
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Purcellville, VA
I'll still probably check all of my grounds anyways since I get the service AH/ABS/TC every once in a while. Can anyone give me a ballpark location of any other grounds besides the battery? Are there any others?? Thanks guys.
Mike
Mike