I just picked up a 2009 Fit Sport Sunday. I've been noticing when I'm at idle and the AC or Heater is on, I'm getting noticeable hesitation every 30 seconds or so. If I'm behind another car I can see my lights momentarily dimming.

Should I take it back to the dealer and have them check on something?

 

First response.

Can you describe the "hesitation" a bit more? The Fit's headlights (as well as other Hondas) have a dimming thing, which is "normal".

 

While looking at the tach, I see a momentary decrease in RPM causing the lights to dim. Again, this is only while the AC/Heater is on.

 

normal... increased load on a tiny motor causes it...

 

Here's something else to think about- my new '09 Fit does not have the rpm dips or light dimming under the same circumstances that you described. Not arguing with the people saying "it's normal", but it isn't "normal" for my car. Period.

 

I want to agree, this would not be acceptable as "normal" if I was designing a car.

I found this thread though: http://www.hondacarforum.com/honda-t...s-dimming.html

 

Well, again, it does not happen to me, meaning that it does not happen to ALL Fits. That may give you the reason to see your dealer's service dept. to investigate a warranty issue on your new car.

 

But manxman, which Fit do have? GD or GE? There's a difference.

 

In my reply to the OP I said "My new '09 Fit". Which chassis number do you think it is?

 

I haven't noticed it in my car, but I don't use the heat or a/c right now. It appears there are plenty of links on the subject.

Way back for 84 Accords:
Honda Accord (2008-) Maintenance and Repair - CarSpace Automotive Forums

Last year's Civic:
http://www.civicforums.com/forums/18...t-flicker.html

Lots more arguing over what it is or isn't:
http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?p=36607716

Image of Honda Service News Bulletin on the problem here:
Headlight Dimming - Official Honda response - Drive Accord Honda Forums

And that ought to tell you that it's common, and that it is not considered a problem by Honda.

 

Resourceful, thanks, TaffetaWhite. I tried giving you yet another + rep but it wouldn't let me right now.

 

Yup! Just another little thing that they did not change out. My 2007 does the same thing and it has never had any problems related to this issue.

Cat :x

 

My guess is the heater alone wont do it enough to notice, but defrost (ac is on with defrost) or ac or when the radiator fan kicks on.

Both my 07 and my 09 do it especially with headlights and rear window defroster on. It is a response to both engine load (ac compressor and alternator)
causes the idle to dip for a split second until the ECU can adjust it back up.

The dimming is during the idle dip, the alternator is not putting out enough juice so the voltage regulator switches and draws off battery juice for a moment.

Most cars Ive had (and I have had a bunch) do it to some degree.

ac compressor is a harsh jolt to both engine load and electrical load, the radiator fan is a harsh jolt to the electrical system, and both can cycle on and off in as little as every 30 seconds. Interesting to note that 30 seconds is about the cycle time of your hesitation

 

This is not a problem. It happens to all Fits except one.

 

in my experiance its a honda thing, ive seen it on ludes and civis

 

My Saturn did the same thing. I noticed it's when a fan kicks on under the hood. As long as the car doesn't stall I'd say it's fine.

 

I notice when I run the A/C my headlights will do the dim thing every now and then...my Ford ZX2 (small car/engine) did the same thing. No biggie, gotten used to it. The hesitation thing, never noticed.

 

I noticed this today while warming up the car. I turned the heater on after the car finished warming up and the headlights would dim slightly every once in a while. It was so fast I thought I was just blinking.

 

Yeah dont worry about it. You can also makes the lights dim while stationary and turning the wheel left and right really fast, this activates the electric steering, draws power and even makes the steering heavier cuz the lack of power!! hahaha

 

Or lowering the windows!