Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Honda Cars / December 2005

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

2003 Accord headlight issues

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
Fred D - 17 Dec 2005 12:11 GMT
Bizarre, however while driving, my headlights will fade in
and out by 50% every 2-5 minutes. Its not caused by road
terrain. Any thoughts?
Gene S. Berkowitz - 17 Dec 2005 15:16 GMT
> Bizarre, however while driving, my headlights will fade in
> and out by 50% every 2-5 minutes. Its not caused by road
> terrain. Any thoughts?

It's caused by the air conditioner compressor cycling in.
When you use the windshield defroster, by default the A/C runs also, to
dehumidify the air.

There is even has an explanation for it:

Headlights & Dash Lights Dim With Electrical Load

NOTE: This article applies to all Honda models
except Passport.
Soon after the change from daylight savings time to
standard time (the last Sunday in October), Tech Line
gets numerous calls about flickering or dimming
headlights and/or dash lights when the brakes or turn
signals are used.
This flickering or dimming happens when the battery
is supplying most of the current for the electrical load
instead of the alternator (something a customer is
more likely to notice when their headlights are turned
on).
Since the early ’90s, Honda vehicles have come with
an electrical load detector (ELD) unit in the
under-hood fuse/relay box. This unit allows the
ECM/PCM to regulate the alternator (switch it
between high output and low output) to provide the
best combination of fuel economy and electrical
system operation. The ELD sends a signal to the
ECM/PCM that’s proportional to the electrical
demand. The ECM/PCM switches the alternator
between high output and low output depending on
several factors, which include electrical demand,
battery charge level, and the driving cycle. When the
alternator is in low output, the engine load is reduced
and fuel economy improves.
If your customer complains about this flickering or
dimming, tell them about the ELD unit and how it
works. Unless the engine won’t crank, or the vehicle
has other symptoms of a weak battery, chances are the
flickering or dimming isn’t an electrical problem.

--Gene
Fred D - 23 Dec 2005 18:56 GMT
>> Bizarre, however while driving, my headlights will fade in
>> and out by 50% every 2-5 minutes. Its not caused by road
[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]
>
>--Gene
Thanks Gene, however it continues with the climate control
off as well.
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2010 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.