Lights dim when idling.

[Archive]

I noticed that the lights on the truck seem to dim and brighten when idling. It seems like an electrical drain for a few seconds does anyone know if this is normal?

 

[Archive]

Mine does the same thing only when the weather is under a certain temp. I don't know what the temp is but I believe it's something in the engine trying to keep the beast warm. Can someone else come into this with real facts since I don't have them? I never really worried about it and assumed.

Jack

 

[Archive]

It's normal. See page 2(as of this time) topic "big draw of power after startup" by SuperMario

Steve

------------------
2000 3500 SLT+,4x2,Black/Camel,leather,LSD,Auto,3. 55,towing,rhino-liner,eagle series 58 alum wheels

 

[Archive]

It's called a post heat cycle. The intake air heaters are cycled (drawing 80 amps or more) to keep the intake air warm enough so that the engine will run well after its started. Look at the voltmeter on your dash. It will do a nosedive each time the heaters are turned on. This all stops after awhile or when your speed exceeds 20mph.

------------------
1996 RAM 2500 4x4 5speed Cummins 230 uprate (cpl 1553) Jacobs Ram Brake 125k