Weak Alternator And Headlight Bulbs Options

[Hyundai_81]

with a weak alternator will it do damage to the headlight bulbs when not enough voltage = less wattage output there for causing the bulb to wear out faster or dull somewhat?

[DSHornet]

with a weak alternator will it do damage to the headlight bulbs when not enough voltage = less wattage output there for causing the bulb to wear out faster or dull somewhat?

No, the lower voltage will keep them from operating as hot as normal. They will also be a little dimmer than normal. You'll have dim bulbs, kind of like some people I've known over the years. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grin.gif)

[Hyundai_81]

thanks DSHornet.. I am glad to know now that this wasn;t the case just simply the bulb was just starting to wear out from just the use of the bulbs.. if I change the connections at the end of the wires help much at all DSHornet? cuz the bulbs sometimes seems brighter at times then alittle dull them brighter again.. and I keep the lens clean or crap from the road at all times.

[Spawn]

I would try to determine what is causing the dimming in the first place to be honest. Have you had your alt tested?

[Hyundai_81]

yes as a matter of fact I did in this past summer the dealership said it was fine and that my battery was starting to go so I repaced battery wasnt taking any chances. bought really heavy duty one.. 875CCA/1050CA.. so anyways little while later in sept this year the alt quit on me after the dealership this past summer saying it was ok? hmm.. yea. anyways I had it replaced that day that it quit and still noticeing this issue? brand new bulbs spring 2009. and new serpentine belt last winter 2008/2009 with only 8,000 kms on it.

This post has been edited by Hyundai_81: Nov 2 2009, 03:49 PM

[lovemysantafe]

If you're still experiencing dim light bulbs after replacing the alternator and the battery, check the ground straps to the chassis. Chances are they have become corroded and/or dirty and the ground connection has become compromised. I know from experience; last winter it got so bad my headlights were tweaking out like a 7 year old off his Ritalin. They cleaned the grounds and everything has been hunky dory ever since.

[Hyundai_81]

thanks very much lovemysantafe.. I will check into that and see if they need cleaning or not.. and get back to you. hopefully that is the solution, one other question where are all the grounds or the certain ground I am looking for this problem or issue?

[lovemysantafe]

I am not sure where the chassis grounds are on the vehicle. I had the dealership do the work so it's a mystery to me. Sorry.

[Hyundai_81]

and did you notice a difference when cleaning up the grounds.. and how much would it cost in Canadian Dollars to do this?

[lovemysantafe]

and did you notice a difference when cleaning up the grounds.. and how much would it cost in Canadian Dollars to do this?

Well my light flickering went away...that had gotten really annoying. I can't say I know how much it would cost because the dealer did it on the house as a new alternator had not fixed the issue.

[Hyundai_81]

thats good lovemysantafe that the flikering went away. I would agree it would be annoying. mine does not flicker at all.. although one thing does come to mind the dash light thats behind the odometer does flicker alittle bit.. but that could be from a loose or dying bulb?

[lovemysantafe]

thats good lovemysantafe that the flikering went away. I would agree it would be annoying. mine does not flicker at all.. although one thing does come to mind the dash light thats behind the odometer does flicker alittle bit.. but that could be from a loose or dying bulb?

Mine does that all the time if the vehicle is stationary, less so when it's moving. I try my best to ignore it...'tis the nature of the beast.

[Hyundai_81]

that is true.. they dont run brand new for ever. lol