headlights dim

[kinfolkdebo]

So, I was driving(07 Aveo) the other night and pulled in to my driveway and I noticed that everytime I press the brakes the headlights would dim. the same thing happens when I use my turn signals. any Ideas? thanks in advance.

[chipsndukes]

Originally Posted by kinfolkdebo

So, I was driving(07 Aveo) the other night and pulled in to my driveway and I noticed that everytime I press the brakes the headlights would dim. the same thing happens when I use my turn signals. any Ideas? thanks in advance.

If your alternator light is not going on and your battery is not going dead, then I would surmise that this is normal.

I have some experience working with alternator design, Japanese cars (and possibly Korean cars also) tend to underspecify alternator capacity, often there is not enough amperage at idle to maintain voltage >12.8 with accessories (blower, A/C, lights, blinkers) on.
This is not as much the case for European cars and American cars, at idle they are designed to maintain voltage with expected loads.

Check the voltage at the battery, if at idle under no load you have <12.8V, you have another problem. If the voltage is >12.8V but dips with lights/blinker on, I wouldn't worry about it, just don't idle for long periods with all the accessories on.

I hope that helped, maybe some REAL Aveo owners can give you some specific advice regarding their vehicles.

PS the other thought that comes to mind is that some newer alternators are computer controlled to not load the engine at idle and so may demonstrate some of the above characteristics, I can't really say, but I somewhat doubt that the Aveo has that sophisticated technology.

Chipsndukes

[mikedudley17]

would they dim and stay dim? cus that could be a problem. if not i wouldnt worry about it too much. i have never had a prob with lights dimming on me and i can have 2 500 watt subs (only powered by a 250 w amp), ac and all lights on. maybe it would be wise to go to your dealer and have them take a look, but if it only dims for a second and recovers you should be fine.