Dimming Lights
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Acworth Ga
Dimming Lights
Well I usually drive into work in the dark in my 2001, so I always have my headlights and foglights on. I have noticed that when driving down the interstate that my lights will dim for a second or two and them come back to normal brightness. I'm not hitting any electronics at the time when it happens. Anybody know what may be causing this? Do you think it's my battery or alternator starting to go?
Thanks,
Rodzilla
Thanks,
Rodzilla
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
I have heard this complaint often from C5 owners and have experienced it myself but have never heard of a fix for the problem. Some have attributed it to a weak charging system and others to inadequate grounding. Interestingly, my underdrive pulley has not impacted, one way or the other, this "feature" in my C5.
I'd also be interested to hear if anyone has gotten to the bottom of this or gotten an explanation from GM.
I'd also be interested to hear if anyone has gotten to the bottom of this or gotten an explanation from GM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Moncks Corner South Carolina
Mine does it too, 99 Coupe. I switched out the Delco battery with an Optima Red Top, but still get the dimming every now and then. I would have to say that it may not be typical to C5s, but many of them have this happen from time to time.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: N. VA VA
I've a '97 Coupe and have consistently experienced dimming headlights while driving in the dark, but only when I hit my windows up or down.
My mechanic suggested trying a higher rated battery, but I've yet to do so.
Besides, I kind of like this feature when behind someone and wanting to get them to pass, rather than flicking the hi's
My mechanic suggested trying a higher rated battery, but I've yet to do so.
Besides, I kind of like this feature when behind someone and wanting to get them to pass, rather than flicking the hi's
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
Originally Posted by Rodzilla
Well I usually drive into work in the dark in my 2001, so I always have my headlights and foglights on. I have noticed that when driving down the interstate that my lights will dim for a second or two and them come back to normal brightness. I'm not hitting any electronics at the time when it happens. Anybody know what may be causing this? Do you think it's my battery or alternator starting to go?
Thanks,
Rodzilla
Thanks,
Rodzilla
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 0
From: Currently living in and loving... Chico, CA
My '04 coupe, as well as my '00 Denali, do it. Seems to coincide with the A/C compressor clutch kicking in, as I also feel a slight lug most of the time it happens.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: San Diego Ca
I have had this problem before also, here is something you might want to check. If you still have the side mount battery post, over time the will work themselves loose and this will cause a lot of problems that may be overlooked. It my fill like it tight and snug but believe me just get a pair of pliars and make sure it is making a good contact. This is for both positve and negative post while your there make sure their isn't any corrosion build up and that your battery is not leaking. Good luck.
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,717
Likes: 4,555
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
My car does that but -and here's the catch- only after you first start it and for the next few minutes. After that it does not happen at all for the rest of the drive.
Notice this the next time you guys go out on an 'extended' trip. The lights will dim while releasing the throttle and getting back on it {between shifting or in a gear}. Then after a few minutes it will go away and won't happen again.
Does this have something to do with operating temperature?
Notice this the next time you guys go out on an 'extended' trip. The lights will dim while releasing the throttle and getting back on it {between shifting or in a gear}. Then after a few minutes it will go away and won't happen again.
Does this have something to do with operating temperature?
