Just like the subject says. It seems as long as my car is below half temp (on gauge) the lights stay bright. If temp rises to half they dim. I turn my heater on they get bright again.....what is going on??!! Also, it's a JDM ITR engine in a 97 hatch if that helps. Sorry if this isn't the right forum, but I figured some of you guys might have experienced the same thing. HELP! It's REALLY annoying!

 

I would check all grounds....first.....then start further diagnosing from there

 

I just checked all engine grounds today. Any others I should check? It didn't start doing it until I swapped the engine in so it has to be related somehow I would think.

 

could be alternator related. Also check that you have all the right voltage fuses. Could possibly be that something was switched???

 

I am 99% sure that the wiring is correct. I used a ex wire harness so I didn't have to do the IAC fix. The only wiring that I did was extend the IAT sensor wire. What fuses are you talking about?

 

Just run through all fuses, ie: in engine compartment, and in the dash. Make sure nothing is blown or out of place. It seems like a stupid task, but it happens. If that doesnt fix it, i'd get the alternator checked out. Something is pulling voltage.. hmmm just for safety sake, check the starter ground.

 

Any more ideas? Bump for the night.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 97mini-me &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just checked all engine grounds today. Any others I should check? It didn't start doing it until I swapped the engine in so it has to be related somehow I would think.</TD></TR></TABLE> theres your answer right there...you are missing a ground somewhere...mostly likely the tranny ground.

 

I have a ground wire attached to the tranny, but whether or not it is in the right spot I am not sure. Can anyone provide a picture of where their ground wire attaches to the tranny? It would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Ground to tranny.
Ground to Thermostat.
Ground to Valve Cover.

Starter has a ground along with the alternator.

 

My car does the same exact thing, Never could figure it out. I aslo used a Brand new EX harness.

 

Mine also go dim and then get bright when i release or put the clutch in. You figured your car out yet. i had alt checked, grounds are mint and Batt is new so i have no clue , maybe voltage regulater???

 

The voltage regulator is built into the altenators. I think that is what my problem is, and it's most likely yours too. I had my altenator checked, but it tested good. The guy told me that if some part in the altenator gets worn it will periodically not put out enough power to keep things going. I'm just going to buy another altenator and hope that does the trick. Good luck!

 

hey let me know if it solves your problem, i'am trying not to nuy a new alt but if it is the solution I will. mine has only like 40k on it but maybe water screwed it ip.