Headlights dim when you step on brakes?

[Steve Presley]

Anyone have this happen to them? (This is on a 99 fbird btw)

[ June 02, 2002: Message edited by: Steve Presley ]</p>

[DrMilhouse]

Yes, on other cars I have had that happen. It usually happens just before the alternator completely dies or the battery completely dies. A little more information on both of those might be helpful.

Also, if you could let us know what else is going on with your charging system like a heavy drawing stereo or other equipment that would be helpful.

It could be something as simple as a bad ground someplace too, but for me, it's been the alternator in past cases.

[Steve Presley]

Well, it's done it on and off since I purchased the car a year and a half ago. I'm running the Monsoon system with the 6 speakers and sealed sub - no after market stereo equipment or anything else. I noticed it on the drive home thing morning in particular, just about everytime I step on the brakes, the lights dim. I've also noticed that sometimes the battery gauge is right at 13, and sometimes it runs closer to 15 when it happens.

[Seal]

does the lights brighten up when u step on the gas? (also do they dim when you turn something haevy power demanding, like ac all the way on, or putting fog lights on?)

[Steve Presley]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by seal:
does the lights brighten up when u step on the gas? (also do they dim when you turn something haevy power demanding, like ac all the way on, or putting fog lights on?)<hr></blockquote>

Nope.. they dim when I step on the brakes, come back up when I take my foot off. I've never noticed it with the brights on, and I always run my fogs when the lows are on... A/C has no effect either way..

[Brian Dieckman]

Sounds like the charging system is going... The alternators have built-in voltage regulators that can cause all kinds of problems. Take your car to an autozone and have them check the battery and the alt if you can remove it quickly... (I've never tried, but on my old thirdgen, it was pretty easy, two bolts both 13mm)

If it's not one of those, I'm stumped! Some kind of short maybe?

-Brian

[Birdie2000]

I have the same problem occasionally, although I usually notice it with the brights on. I also have that problem with the popping in my speakers when I hit the brakes, but I think this isn't really related since this doesn't happen every time I hit them, just sometimes. Also, sometimes when I turn the key on, that chime thingy sounds like it's dying. I think my whole charging system is going on me.

[Gmoney]

ok this happens to me but i know wutsup. i have a sounds system, alpine speakers adn a 10" bass tube at night i have my aftermarket fog lights on headlights on sound system on and maybe my neon lights all the power is being used so whenihit the brakes my lights dim if you watch you battery levels they shoulld go down whenit happens cuz hte light in the back is being used and it takes away form other sources. i have had my battery down to 6 at a stop light not using gas then when i accelerate it goes up to 13.
G$

[JediBandit]

HAHA FINALLY SOMEONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM! Luckily, I know the fix. I have a 99 m5 camaro that did it, bone stock, and it drove me nuts. I finally had to get the service manager to ride with me one night to show him. I have in my hands the repair receipt printout.


Complaint: Push clutch in coming to stop, headlight dim down engine start shaking & try to die, intermittantly, worse at night 1 out of 3 times.

Repairs: Adapter for ALT. Add wire from S Terminal of Voltage regulator to battery terminal at rear of alt as per PI # D005089.

Sure enough, now there is an extra wire coming out of my alternator. Hope that helps. Email me if you need anything else. I am not online much these days except to check email.


Chris