Headlights dimming / pulsing
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Headlights dimming / pulsing
I have a 2000 which is new to me. I don't have any experience with the c-5. I noticed when the headlights are on at night and I lower the windows there is a dimming of the lights for a second, not out but dimmer / pulsing with the window and use of power.
I also noticed the lights on the radio seem to pulse a little when idling at a light but then are fine with driving.
Is this an alternator problem? Normal? Can I fix it by installing a high output alternator?
No codes on this just a notation of finding.
Thanks minitech
I also noticed the lights on the radio seem to pulse a little when idling at a light but then are fine with driving.
Is this an alternator problem? Normal? Can I fix it by installing a high output alternator?
No codes on this just a notation of finding.
Thanks minitech
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
This is pretty much mormal. There really isnt much that you can do to fix it. The PCM controls alternator output. If you swap in the wrong alternator, you will have DTC's The PCM is quite pickey on what it expects to see. As long as your seeing close to 13.8 to 14.5 during normal operations, your good. Temp and battery condition will cause it to read higher or lower at times.
I would however, remove the battery, inspect the area directly below the battery for acid spills, have the battery fully tested, clean the terminals (spray them out with brake parts cleaner and then WD-40) and reinstall the treminals. They must be torque to 11 ft/lbs to work properly. Too loose or too tight will cause issues.
What battery is installed?
BC
I would however, remove the battery, inspect the area directly below the battery for acid spills, have the battery fully tested, clean the terminals (spray them out with brake parts cleaner and then WD-40) and reinstall the treminals. They must be torque to 11 ft/lbs to work properly. Too loose or too tight will cause issues.
What battery is installed?
BC
Great advice. Overtorquing the side terminals on batteries is one of the major causes of them leaking acid. Your computer is below your battery.
