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08-16-2012, 09:08 AM | #1 |
Drives: yaris advance Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: pty
Posts: 62
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Dimming lights
Hello guys, Iīm having a dimming problem with my head ligths and fogs when the car is running in idle, I have notice that it comes and goes.
When I step on the gas, just a little, they will go back to normal, I have already check al connectors and wiring, the alternator is charging normal, and no issues so far. But itīs funny that it comes and goes, any ideas? |
08-16-2012, 09:41 AM | #2 |
ULTIMATE
Drives: 09 5dr LB, 2x 08 3dr LB Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: USA, CT
Posts: 13,460
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That is somewhat normal.
The headlights and fogs together draw about 18 Amps, which is a significant load on a 70 Amp alternator. The alternator reaches its 70A output capacity at about 3500 RPM, so at idle it is on the lower end of its curve. The battery acts as a reserve during times when the alternator is not keeping up with the system demand. If the dimming is significant, the next thing to check would be the condition of your battery. If it is reaching the end of its useful life, its capacity will be reduced.
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08-16-2012, 09:42 AM | #3 |
Mine does the same thing. CT would probably have a better explanation. I attribute it to the little alternator not keeping up with demand during certain moments. I know that if I put the car on the charger overnite to keep the battery up to speed, it doesn't occur as much.
Edit: He beat me to it. |
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08-16-2012, 10:46 AM | #4 | |
1NZ-6spd
Drives: '05 6-Spd Vitz RS Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,967
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Quote:
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08-17-2012, 06:13 AM | #5 |
Drives: yaris advance Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: pty
Posts: 62
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Well my batery is about a year old, so is not the batery, I guess the best option is to get a higer amp alternator, so it will not be that much of a problem.
Would a voltage stabilizer help in this situation? |
08-17-2012, 06:50 AM | #6 |
ULTIMATE
Drives: 09 5dr LB, 2x 08 3dr LB Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: USA, CT
Posts: 13,460
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The battery being not all that old doesn't necessarily mean that it is not the problem. Upgrading the alt would definitely help, but a voltage stabilizer would not.
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08-17-2012, 08:10 AM | #7 |
Drives: yaris advance Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: pty
Posts: 62
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Itīs funny, that one of the seling point for voltage stabilizer is "no more dimming ligths", thatīs more marketing than real deal.
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08-17-2012, 08:17 AM | #8 |
ULTIMATE
Drives: 09 5dr LB, 2x 08 3dr LB Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: USA, CT
Posts: 13,460
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A voltage stabilizer is really just a capacitor, and that is actually what your battery is as well, so it would flatten the sags a bit and might make the dimming less apparent.
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08-17-2012, 11:21 AM | #9 |
Simple things like ensuring connections are tight, free of corrosion etc. go a long way also.
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08-17-2012, 01:28 PM | #10 |
Form>Function
Drives: 07 Flint Sedan Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Tampa
Posts: 4,018
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I was going to recommend a stabilizer as well. Or how about a bigger battery? Switch to HIDs too they draw less power.
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08-17-2012, 02:17 PM | #11 |
1NZ-6spd
Drives: '05 6-Spd Vitz RS Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,967
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^plus LED tails brakes running light, front runnin lights, LED fogs if you have em. I would have to say the lights draw the most power next to the blower fan.
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08-17-2012, 02:17 PM | #12 |
Drives: yaris advance Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: pty
Posts: 62
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Yeah, HID, LEDs, and a capacitor for the sound system as well should help to.
Iīm going to have check the batery, and re-check all connectors, and grounds too. Good inputs. |
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