[mbm]

With 8k miles, my 2011 Black Limited has a problem you typically see on high mileage cars. When at idle, the headlights vary in brightness, give it a little gas and they brighten up and are constant.

Might be an alternator issue but before I bring it in just curious if others experience it?

 

[glenn716]

I know you want someone to say "yeah I'm having this same problem" but I am not at this time having any issues of this nature. Sorry you're having problems. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[hancydan]

QUOTE (mbm @ Aug 27 2010, 11:34 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=352301

With 8k miles, my 2011 Black Limited has a problem you typically see on high mileage cars. When at idle, the headlights vary in brightness, give it a little gas and they brighten up and are constant.

Might be an alternator issue but before I bring it in just curious if others experience it?

It seems a normal alternator operation to me. At higher engine rpm, a higher alternator output, thus a brighter headlight. The first thing comes to mind is that your battery is not at capacity. With a fully charged battery, the headlight brightness fluctuations will be less noticeable or negligible. I'd check to see if the battery fluid levels are correct, and the battery is sufficiently holding charges.

 

[zolika]

Connect a voltmeter at the battery and check voltage at idle and at elevated rpm. A good alternator should give around 14 volts even at idle. Being under warranty take it to the dealer and have them check out the charging system. I installed a rear view camera on mine and had only 11.5 volts at the backup lights with the engine off. Concerned that the battery or charging system is not working OK, I took it to the dealer and they checked the charging and found all OK. They have a tester that tests more than only the voltage and can give you a complete picture.

 

[mayasonata]

sounds like faulty alternatory....I'm noticing rough idle at stopped position that I never had before.

I don't know if this is due to GDI engine but feels odd for a car with 4000 miles.

 

[sbr711]

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ..... wrong answers... see that little noid on each battery terminal....

That is an input to the PCM... PCM controls charging for better fuel economy and other dumb reasons... been told that the only time it charges is during cruise/decell, or when battery needs it. Goofy stuff they doing to get more power and mileage economy.

 

[ryster]

QUOTE (mbm @ Aug 27 2010, 12:34 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=352301

With 8k miles, my 2011 Black Limited has a problem you typically see on high mileage cars. When at idle, the headlights vary in brightness, give it a little gas and they brighten up and are constant.

Might be an alternator issue but before I bring it in just curious if others experience it?

This sounds normal to me. Every new vehicle I have owned over the past 20 years has exhibited this behavior to some degree. The greater the load on the electrical system, the greater the chance for this to happen. By the time you have the headlights on, the radio on, the vent fan and/or a/c on, there will be a large draw on the system. Add in a defroster or two, an occupied power port, a usb port, and then lower/raise a window or two and the headlights will dim at idle.

 

[elp_jc]

It's typical of new 4 bangers. The Accord (4-cyl) is the same way. Annoying but normal.