Electrical/alternator question

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Nov 19, 2006 | 08:21 AM

Blue Lion

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Electrical/alternator question

I was driving last night with the headlights on. At a stop light I pressed my driver's window switch up, to make sure I had the window sealed all the way. I noticed when I did this that my headlights dimmed while the button was pressed. When I released the button, the headlights went back to normal. I tried it again later and had the same result.
I have an Optima Redtop that's 2 years old. The car is a 2000, with its original alternator.
I don't drive the car much, and even less at night. I don't know if this is how the car always was, but it seems unusual to me.
Thanks.

Nov 19, 2006 | 08:56 AM

502ci

Drifting

Joined: Dec 2005

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From: OHIO

Not sure if that isn`t normal but the window is a huge instant load on the electrical and sitting at idle the alternator has its lowest ability to keep up.

Nov 19, 2006 | 09:05 AM

65GGvert

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From: Kannapolis NC

If you pay attention to your headlights, they'll dim a little when you first press the brake, too. Watch the voltage display on your DIC and you'll see it dip when you press the window switch. That lower voltage is what makes your lights dim.

Nov 19, 2006 | 09:05 AM

widewheel

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From: Keystone, I.T.

normal for every automobile I've had with power windows, assuming your head lights arn't going completely out

Nov 19, 2006 | 09:39 AM

TomZ

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From: Gilbert AZ

I think it's normal. My other car does the same thing as well and the battery is new.

Nov 19, 2006 | 02:19 PM

tavaresv

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Spring Hill FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomZ

I think it's normal. My other car does the same thing as well and the battery is new.

Nov 19, 2006 | 02:39 PM

toxdoc

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Joined: Oct 2006

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From: State of Perplexity California

Normal. Especially when the window is all the way up, as you describe it. At that point the electric motor is stalled (cannot turn) and amperage draw is very high when that is the case.