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headlights dim when i hit the brake
09-22-2004, 05:40 AM
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headlights dim when i hit the brake
pretty str8 forward, when i step on the brakes my dash and headlights dim noticably, what could cause this, loose belt / bad alternator/battery ????
09-22-2004, 05:55 AM
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Re: headlights dim when i hit the brake (spicoli)
sounds like a dying battery, also i would check all the wires, make sure they're properly connected, do you have a stereo system in your car?...if so, get a cap, 80+- dollars 
09-22-2004, 06:32 AM
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Re: headlights dim when i hit the brake (99eciVic)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 99eciVic »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sounds like a dying battery, also i would check all the wires, make sure they're properly connected, do you have a stereo system in your car?...if so, get a cap, 80+- dollars </TD></TR></TABLE>
Are you sure it's the battery. I would have thought that it would have been the alternator. Once the vehicle is turned on, the power needed to keep the vehicle running is produced by the alternator. The alternator in turn produces power by having the engine turn its pulley. So when you slow down, the engine slows down in recolutions, so consequently the alternator doesn't produce as much power. I could be wrong, but if it was the battery you would be having some difficulty starting the car.
Go to a garage and get an AVR test, this will help pinpoint the cause of the problem.
About the sound system though, that does drain a lot of power, so a capacitor would be useful, or a high output alternator.
</TD></TR></TABLE>Are you sure it's the battery. I would have thought that it would have been the alternator. Once the vehicle is turned on, the power needed to keep the vehicle running is produced by the alternator. The alternator in turn produces power by having the engine turn its pulley. So when you slow down, the engine slows down in recolutions, so consequently the alternator doesn't produce as much power. I could be wrong, but if it was the battery you would be having some difficulty starting the car.
Go to a garage and get an AVR test, this will help pinpoint the cause of the problem.
About the sound system though, that does drain a lot of power, so a capacitor would be useful, or a high output alternator.
09-22-2004, 11:22 AM
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Re: headlights dim when i hit the brake (spicoli)
if the alt is going could it cause a clicking noise from engine compartment, Dunno i hear it could be valves, not too loud but makes a noise when driving
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09-22-2004, 11:24 AM
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Re: headlights dim when i hit the brake (spicoli)
What about:
Bad brake booster -> Brakes applied put intake strain on engine, causing RMP to go down, thus the Alternator output goes down, overall system voltage drops, and lights dim ??
Bad brake booster -> Brakes applied put intake strain on engine, causing RMP to go down, thus the Alternator output goes down, overall system voltage drops, and lights dim ??
09-22-2004, 11:31 AM
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Re: headlights dim when i hit the brake (spicoli)
my car does exactly this...but the dim and 100rpm decrease last for half of a second. i have 4gauge ground wires hooked up pretty good. try that if you have free time. 
09-22-2004, 05:45 PM
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IT could be a bad battery. My headlights began to flicker one night every time I stepped on the brake. The next morning everytime I hit the brake my radio, speedometer, and clock all cut off and then cut back on. I hooked it up to our battery tester at work and it tested bad. I replaced it and now have no problems.
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