I've noticed that when the AC compressor kicks on the headlights dim slightly. Is this normal? Usually you can feel the drag on the engine but have never seen the lights dim on any other car.

 

Ive never noticed? Is it only right when it turns on or is it the whole time the AC is on? May i ask why your running AC this time of year lol?

Tyler

 

normal. Using AC puts a huge load on your engine.

 

I'm running the AC because I haven't done the mod that disables the auto on AC with the defrosters. (I hate that "feature") Today in the Willamette valley it's 41 degrees with 98% humidity, defoggers are a must. I can see the lights dim when the compressor engages, when it's not engaged they are quite a bit brighter. I installed ultra stars right after I got it so I wonder if the stock bulbs exhibit the same behavior...

Mr Yoda, I know it's a lot of drag on the engine but I've never seen a car that the lights dimmed, the power lugs down but not the voltage on the electrical system.

 

It may be the bulbs you have..I have not expirienced the problem at all.

Tyler

 

 

I've seen this at idle but not while actually driving down the road.
Of course, at idle, the engine is not delivering enough voltage to recharge. Only enough to keep the engine running.

 

On my car the front lights just flicker once every time when the AC pump starts. It does not dim the lights when the pump is going.

I think this is normal, and have seen it on many other cars to. On some car you could even feel the power from the motor is slowing down a bit when the AC is on.

Does anybody know if the AC pump is connected direct to the motor or is it only a electric pump on our Fit/Jazz? By my flickering it seems that it is just a electric pump?
Then again, it may be some differences from the EU Jazz and the US Fit since I have an electric controlled AC on my EU Jazz?

 

In my golf, if I hit the power window switches, the headlights would dim. That annoyed me a bit

 

I have to say that is is noticeable at low rpms. If it is an electric pump that would sure explain the voltage drop.