I have had my 1997 Accord for quite a while now and it seems to have always done this, but I tend to notice it more often now.

Anytime my car is on (idle or driving), every few minutes, the engine "pulls down" and grinds for about 1-2 seconds.
The lights dim and the engine makes a distinct lower pitched sound for this 1-2sec. duration.
Afterwards, everything is fine.

The engine acts like the AC was turned on for 1-2sec. but it isn't. The "pulled down" sound I mention is similar to when you turn on the AC. The lights dim a bit and the engine is under a greater load.

Has anyone ever seen this before? Is it normal?

A side note is that my AC doesn't work and hasn't for the last few years. I have never seen the AC condenser fan kick on, and the AC pump never seems to engage when I hit the AC button. It could be related... but this car has always done the "pull down" thing ever since I can remember (6+ years).

Thank you for any input!

 

open the hood and put a stethoscope on the dist housing, if it usually happens more often when the engine is warmed up thats where I'd look.

 

Does the cooling fan come on at the same time you hear this symptom?

 

"The lights dim and the engine makes a distinct lower pitched sound for this 1-2sec. duration. "

I would also check alternator bearing and belt -

 

Actually, i have a 97 ex as well and i get that sound too. i dont know if i would consider it grinding though. It only happens when i dont give it enough gas getting out of first or if i turn the ac on. but i can hear that sound in my head right now, its horrible.