weird flicker with headlights

[Cordialtea]

Hey does anyone else have this happen with their headlights. I'll describe below.

Ok headlights are turned on driving at night I have this thing with checking my automatic windows are completely up and when I test the switches my headlights blink. It is really, really weird!

Judy/ Cordialtea

[R_Ethug]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

voltage drops..

[Cordialtea]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

voltage drops..

Thanks Ryan! So that means there could be bigger problems with my car I guess. Well now i can let Vw know so I don't sound like an idiot when I explain how my lights flicker with the windows. I can tell them The voltage drops obviously could you please check that and why is it happening?

See when I don't have the correct terms I'm treated like I'm an a stupid female. It is just because I don't know the correct terms.

Judy

[Silverstoned]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

My car does this too. It's nothing to worry about. I mentioned this to the mechanic at the dealership last time my car was in for service and they said it's normal.

Jeff

[R_Ethug]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

yup they all do it.. well mine doesn't with hids cuz they are regulated but with all normal lights they do it..

[VAG_Tech]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

Seems like your voltage regulator in your alternator is giving up the go. Your alternator provides power to operate lights, accessories ect. If your regulator isnt operating to spec when you turn loads on i.e. headlights, windows, defrost you will get this flickering. I would test the alternator output if I had this problem in the shop. Also I would check all main ground connections for looseness and corrosion.

Have fun.

[shaunmic]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

It's the daytime running light module causing power flucuations when they get hot they will do that nothing to worry abou t

[R_Ethug]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

disable yoru DRLs.. those things are annoying

[James]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

Thanks Ryan! So that means there could be bigger problems with my car I guess. Well now i can let Vw know so I don't sound like an idiot when I explain how my lights flicker with the windows. I can tell them The voltage drops obviously could you please check that and why is it happening?

See when I don't have the correct terms I'm treated like I'm an a stupid female. It is just because I don't know the correct terms.

Judy

Im guessin this is your first car with power windows? Ive never had one that the lights didnt flicker when attempting to roll up an already-rolled-up window..in my accord im idle rpms would even drop if I was at a light and did that

[Kor]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

Yes everything in your car has to run off of the car battery (essentially) and with interior lights, stereo, headlights, etc all on at one time, it can dim the headlights a little.

If you put in a more powerful aftermarket stereo/subwoofer the effect often becomes even more pronounced.

[Tuna]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

Yes everything in your car has to run off of the car battery (essentially) and with interior lights, stereo, headlights, etc all on at one time, it can dim the headlights a little.

If you put in a more powerful aftermarket stereo/subwoofer the effect often becomes even more pronounced.

Heh, I remember hitting big bass notes on my old truck and having it almost stall with the beat

Unless it's really bad I don't think i'd worry too much (for the reason James mentioned)

[Satnam]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

If you rewire your headlights with relays or fets straight to the battery it might go away.
right now power goes from the battery to the fuse panel, to the headlight switch, and back to the headlight through a bunch of connectors, so there is drop through all those connections and wires.

the headlights will definately be brighter and the bulbs may burn out sooner due to the higher voltage to them with the mod.

[turbomeyers]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

If you rewire your headlights with relays or fets straight to the battery it might go away.
right now power goes from the battery to the fuse panel, to the headlight switch, and back to the headlight through a bunch of connectors, so there is drop through all those connections and wires.

the headlights will definately be brighter and the bulbs may burn out sooner due to the higher voltage to them with the mod.

THIS IS TOTALLY NORMAL THER IS NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT AT VW .
ALL CARS WILL SHOW A DIM IN THE HEADLIGHTS WHEN YOU ACTIVATE SOME OTHER ELECTRICAL LOAD

[Stonewall]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

THIS IS TOTALLY NORMAL THER IS NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT AT VW .
ALL CARS WILL SHOW A DIM IN THE HEADLIGHTS WHEN YOU ACTIVATE SOME OTHER ELECTRICAL LOAD

ACTUALLY SATNAM IS RIGHT. All caps locks jokes aside you can fix the problem if you want to but it will take a lot of work for little gains.

[R_Ethug]

Re: weird flicker with headlights

Yes everything in your car has to run off of the car battery (essentially) and with interior lights, stereo, headlights, etc all on at one time, it can dim the headlights a little.

If you put in a more powerful aftermarket stereo/subwoofer the effect often becomes even more pronounced.

very true .. which makes me happy my hids are regulated for when i get around to installing my boom boom