Headlights flicker when brakes applied
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Tallmadge Ohio
Headlights flicker when brakes applied
I noticed that when driving at night my headlights dim very slightly for a split sec.when i hit the brake pedal. I did it when i got it into the garage and my wife said she cant see it and that i am crazy. but it does do it . anybody else notice this??
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
First thing I'd check is that the battery leads are tight.
How's your battery? If its the original I'd be changing it anyway. The older AC Delcos leak and I wouldn't take the risk. You can have a load check done free at Autozone.
How's your battery? If its the original I'd be changing it anyway. The older AC Delcos leak and I wouldn't take the risk. You can have a load check done free at Autozone.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 41
From: Corinth TX
It may happen when you apply your brakes due to the extra load. If you raise or lower your windows does it happen then as well? The reason you probably notice it is because of the brake lights adding that little extra current draw.
Here are a couple of links that may help.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ing+headlights
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ing+headlights
Here are a couple of links that may help.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ing+headlights
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ing+headlights
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl
I have a similar problem. It seems to be normal for the car as I've owned it for several years and hasn't caused any problems.
The head lights on my 98 momentarily dim then brighten again. Usually as the car is warming up. After it's warm I don't notice it anymore.
There is an associated electronic "whistle" noise as it happens. The whistle also happens in the day with out the head lights on.
At one time I removed the alternator and took it to the parts store to check it out. They said the voltage regulator capacitors took longer then normal to charge up (the whistle?) and that the alternator was no good. I ignored them and put it back in the car. The car runs fine, it just has that annoying dimming of the head lights.
The explanation in Bill Curlee's post leads me to think there's more to it but it's all just normal.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ing+headlights
Any more electronic experts out there?
The head lights on my 98 momentarily dim then brighten again. Usually as the car is warming up. After it's warm I don't notice it anymore.
There is an associated electronic "whistle" noise as it happens. The whistle also happens in the day with out the head lights on.
At one time I removed the alternator and took it to the parts store to check it out. They said the voltage regulator capacitors took longer then normal to charge up (the whistle?) and that the alternator was no good. I ignored them and put it back in the car. The car runs fine, it just has that annoying dimming of the head lights.
The explanation in Bill Curlee's post leads me to think there's more to it but it's all just normal.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ing+headlights
Any more electronic experts out there?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 1
From: Tracy CA
Headlights
Here's another one for ya'. There's a mountain pass between my house and work. Every night on my way home, when I crest the top of the hill and my car starts pointing downhill, my headlights blink/dim ever so slightly. 
-Rick
-Rick
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Zephyrhills, Florida
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Slight dimming is pretty normal in my experience..........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
But do not tighten your battery leads over 11 ft-lbs. Overtightening them can cause them to leak and your computer is under your battery !
