HenryFL

If you have the same problem as me-headlamps dim when a/c comes on please report this to the NHTSA


http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

Also more info on this topic is at:

http://www.hondacarforum.com/h....html

MSchu

current draw is perfectly NORMAL...

Splaturn

Okay, Simple answer though you didn't ask.

Your alternator is running off your pulley system (crank pulley). When your AC engages, the CLUTCH locks real quick (thus engaging) so the AC condensor can do its job.

What happened here?

When, for the SPLIT SECOND that the the AC clutch engages, it puts an EXTRA load on the crank pulley slowing it down. Which also slows the pulley revolution on the alternator.

Imagine you've got one hula hoop around you...you've got a nice rhythm going, easy.....then someone tells you to put a second one on without letting the first one drop....Well, In order to get the second Hula Hoop on, you have to slow down just a tad bit. But once they're going in unison, everything's back to "normal." Essentially same thing with your AC. Factor in the blower to the current being drawn too, and you've got yourself a pie.

HenryFL

You must be kidding-how can you say that headlamps that dim every 15 seconds is "normal"? None of Honda's other cars does this. None of the cars in my life has ever done this. Obviously the alternator or whatever can not handle the load-thus there is a problem.

infecto

Happens in my 03 AT I4 and has since it drove off the lot.

Have seen in it numerous other vehicles (not honda) including those with V6 engines as well as I4.


Though I will say the dimming only occurs momentarily during a new load demand and quickly recovers. Never have had a continuous 15 second issue.

infecto

BTW has anyone with an 08 even tried changing the type of headlamp?

Katana Pilot

Honda is working on a fix to this "Normal Characteristic". I was told it will involve an ECU and ECU wiring harness replacement. If it were "normal", I don't think they would go to this much trouble to "fix" it. I tried to start the Lemon Law clock on my 08 4 cylinder, but the Honda District Rep forced the dealer to close the Repair Order since there is "no fix available". Sounds like Honda is trying to cover this one up.