I bought my Fit Sport MT a month ago. When I have the defroster on, the A/C cycles on and off. Whenever the A/C goes on, the headlights dim and the fan slows down briefly, then both go back up to full power in a few seconds. When the defroster is on high, the cycle is every 20 seconds; low is about every 2 minutes. I can hear and see the power drain while I'm driving. Does anyone else notice this? Should I take the car to the dealer?

 

My Fit also cycles like you have described, although I must admit that I've never timed it for the different fan settings. Can't say as though I've noticed any power loss though.

 

um...yeah...you drive a 100hp car...you add in some pretty major parasitic loss from the a/c compressor clutch...and you're GONNA feel it..

nothing to worry about, that's how it should feel

 

I don't FEEL anything. I only hear the A/C go on, hear the blower fan slow down, and see the headlights dim, all simultaneously. I admit that it's not a big deal, but I do find it a bit strange. I'm just wondering if there's something wrong with the voltage regulator or alternator. If most everyone experiences the same problem, I'll assume it's normal. Otherwise, I want to take advantage of the warranty.

 

Mine does the same thing. Normal due to the size of the engine and alternator output. You can buy a voltage stabilizer, which is essentially just a capacitor, which is supposed to even out the draw. There are threads on here with opinions for and against them.

 

Yep perfectly normal. Tiny battery and tiny engine kinda gets shocked when you kick on the drag of the compressor then the drag of the condenser fans via the alternator at once.

back on my 99 civic, the condenser fan ran continuously whenever the AC was activiated, the fit only runs the fans along with the compressor cycle. Perhaps it is smart enough to not run them at highway speed to save energy.

 

Tiny battery, Tiny motor... gigantic cabin. Something has gotta give
I wouldn't be concerned, my car sounds like it is practically going to stall out at idle when the AC kicks in.

 

Normal, you're just being paranoid