Headlights fluctuate

[-gtsm-]

Anyone notice their headlights getting brighter or dimmer,especially when the truck is just started?My guess is that it is the alternator charging up the batt's... but it's my wife's truck and she worries, you know? #ad


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[Tom W]

It's probably your intake manifold heater cycling. It does it when its cold, normal operation, no worries.

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Tom W in Austin Tx 98 24v 2500 Quadcab, auto, 3. 54, lsd, Rhino, white/driftwood, Banks Stinger Plus, Manix grill, nerf bars , DTT's TC, valvebody, cooler, Mag-hytec trans & diff, Pac brake.

[This message has been edited by Tom W (edited 02-21-2001). ]

 

['956Wheel]

It's your grid heater drawing MUCHO amps... normal. #ad




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9535hundred

 

[vinceharris]

Originally posted by -gtsm-:
Anyone notice their headlights getting brighter or dimmer,especially when the truck is just started?My guess is that it is the alternator charging up the batt's... but it's my wife's truck and she worries, you know? #ad

gtsm ,
the reason the lights dim and go bright is
do to the fact is that the intake heaters
is heating the in coming air to allow the the engine cylinders to have warm air for combustion. the heater grid does pull alot
load.

vince harris
member GLTDR,TDR

99 2500HD 24V 4X4 5SPD QUADCAB SLT LWB LSD
4:10 REAR CAMPER AND TOW PACKAGE
20500 GVW 5TH WHEEL HITCH CUMMINS MUD FLAPS K&N AIR FILTER SILENCER REMOVED BD EXHAUST
BRAKE.

99 35FT 5TH WHEEL DUTCHMAN W/SLIDEOUT
11,656 GVW



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[madams]

Originally posted by -gtsm-:
Anyone notice their headlights getting brighter or dimmer,especially when the truck is just started?My guess is that it is the alternator charging up the batt's... but it's my wife's truck and she worries, you know? #ad

To confirm what every one is saying. You should see the lights dim and the voltage gauge indicating a discharge . . about 5-10 seconds later you'll see the lights return to normal and the voltage start to rise.

I usually notice this activity when the temps fall below 40. If you're in the 70's like we are in the south . . and it still cycles . . you may have a problem.

But . . more than likely . . it's the grid heater's cycling . . normal

Michael

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00 Driftwood 2500 ST QC ISB LB 5spd 3:54 LSD Tow & Camper Groups . . SunnyBrook 33FKS Travel Trailer

my photos

 

[HC]

... but it's my wife's truck and she worries, you know? #ad

If "everyone says it is normal" doesn't convince her, you can find this in writing in the owner's manual (at least in the 2001 manual). Repeat after me: "I told you so. " "I knew that. " "Maybe next time you'll believe me. "
P. S. - DON'T LISTEN TO ME!

 

[-gtsm-]

Hey guys thanks for the info,I guess I should have "RTFM". #ad
(BTW its in the manual under the heading "normal operation")

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driftwood 99 2500 quad cab 4x4 ,K&N filter,Rhinolined,unBOMBed... for now.