Headlights dimming gen4 - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

web gem 5 · 03-19-2010, 04:13 PM

97. When I put strain on it with the auto windows, the head lights will dim. Where should i start looking? I have new terminals, about to go on, but wanted some opinions because I read a similar problem and the person had a short. thanks

zppeacock · 03-19-2010, 05:01 PM

I have been having the same issue with my es300. I cannot figure it out

KiDGiB · 03-19-2010, 05:37 PM

I believe that is normal for all cars with auto windows. If everything is dimming really bad, i would start with checking the alternator and battery. You can bring your car to kragen or autozone and they do free electrical testing.

carsrus · 03-19-2010, 05:45 PM

My car does the same thing. Did this with my old battery and when I had to get a new one.

I think its normal. Only way to stop it would most likely be a bigger amp alternator, which is silly just for a problem like this.

If I have the fan on high with the lights on for example, the fan spins better with some gas then at idle.

the_professional · 03-19-2010, 07:56 PM

It's a universal thing, not necessarily an issue.

As electrical circuits age, they of course corrode, and don't have as good connections, meaning more draw is required, and your lights will dim.

There is really nothing wrong with your car, if your battery is old, replace.

***JohnGD*** · 03-19-2010, 08:34 PM

A slight dimming is normal. But if it's a lot then have your charging system checked for free at Autozone or other local parts stores offering the service.

deezeejoey · 03-20-2010, 08:54 AM

It's normal. my car did it before I put my HID's in. My cousin's Saturn SL2 does the same thing also.

Mike Gerber · 03-20-2010, 11:28 AM

Perfectly normal.

Mike

Tom 2000 · 03-20-2010, 12:20 PM

All cars that I've owned did this after so many years, some worse than others, though.

One thing you can do is to clean all the grounds. There's a ground for the battery to the body, there's a ground for the engine. I cleaned the battery terminals, and all the grounds I could find when I had my Maxima and it was a lot better after I did that.

PortugalFocus · 03-20-2010, 09:58 PM

I have the same concern on my 00 Camry and on my 05 Saturn VUE. It's not a concern, you have to think you are taking electricity to mechanically move a heavy piece of glass along with regulator up and down about 18 inches. It's a rather large draw on the charging system.

It's no concern at all.