'98 Accord EX lights dimming

"Ron M." <nobody.RemoveThis@nowhere.net> wrote in
news:sLdGf.19382$%84.1663@tornado.southeast.rr.com:

> Whenever the alternator of my '98 Accord sedan gets an additional load
> put on it, the headlights of the car temporarily dim to some degree.
> This additional loading seems to take place whenever I turn on the
> rear window defogger, A/C, or fan. The alternator belt isn't very old
> at all and it isn't loose either, so I am suspecting that the
> alternator itself could be on its last leg.



Some dimming at idle is normal, as jim says.

If there's excessive dimming until you rev it, it's a battery thing, not an
alternator thing. Make sure the battery measures 12.65V with the engine
off.


>
> Other than the alternator belt or alternator itself mentioned above,
> is there anything else that could be causing this dimming of the
> headlights whenever HVAC controls are turned on?



Possibly the Electrical Load Detector going bad?



--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
 >> Stay informed about: '98 Accord EX lights dimming 

"TeGGeR®" <tegger.RemoveThis@tegger.c0m> wrote in message
news:Xns97648769CE74tegger@207.14.113.17...
> "Ron M." <nobody.RemoveThis@nowhere.net> wrote in
> news:sLdGf.19382$%84.1663@tornado.southeast.rr.com:
>
>> Whenever the alternator of my '98 Accord sedan gets an additional load
>> put on it, the headlights of the car temporarily dim to some degree.
>> This additional loading seems to take place whenever I turn on the
>> rear window defogger, A/C, or fan. The alternator belt isn't very old
>> at all and it isn't loose either, so I am suspecting that the
>> alternator itself could be on its last leg.
>
>
> Some dimming at idle is normal, as jim says.
>
> If there's excessive dimming until you rev it, it's a battery thing, not
> an
> alternator thing. Make sure the battery measures 12.65V with the engine
> off.
>
>
>> Other than the alternator belt or alternator itself mentioned above,
>> is there anything else that could be causing this dimming of the
>> headlights whenever HVAC controls are turned on?
>
>
> Possibly the Electrical Load Detector going bad?
> --
> TeGGeR®
>
> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
> www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Thanks for all of the responses. Based upon the responses that I received to
my original post,
I probably shouldn't be too concerned about this issue since the dimming
effect is minimal and for an extremely short time duration. The reason I
inquired about this issue is because no other vehicle that I have owned
since 1977 has ever exhibited this same type of behavior. Not a single one.
I purchased this car used on Dec. 28th, 2005 and really do like it a lot so
far. This slight, temporary dimming of the headlights has pretty much been
my only concern with this used car to date.

Once again, I appreciate the info!

Best regards,

Ron M.
 >> Stay informed about: '98 Accord EX lights dimming