Headlights dim when I shift gears...

**LT4Hawk9** · 11-18-2008, 04:22 AM

1997 Firehawk 6 speed.

Seems like if I mash on it, then let up, about a second or two after I let up they dim for a split second.
Example: When I am much over about half throttle, let off to shift slowly to the next gear, and get back on it again, the headlights momentarily dim and come right back to bright. If I ease on it without giving it half-plus throttle, they are fine. IF I am mashin' on it and driving it like I stole it, they won't dim between gears, but when I finally let out on it they DO dim shortly after I let out.

Not a big deal, but it's done it since I bought the car new in March of 1998. I don't drive it much (14,500 miles now), but it's kinda annoying and if it's a simple fix I'll do it.

Any ideas of what to check? Grounds look good.

Mike

**JoshieDoom** · 11-18-2008, 04:25 AM

Sounds like the alternator is just charging up and down. Your volts good on the guage?

**LT4Hawk9** · 11-18-2008, 05:39 AM

The gauge never quivers a bit. If I drive easy the headlights never dim. It seems worst when I am at low RPM and give it a lot of throttle, lugging the engine a bit, then let out to grab the next gear.

**JoshieDoom** · 11-18-2008, 05:44 AM

Hmm. I know every SBC vehicle I have dealt with that has had this problem shortly died because of an alternator. Dont know much about lt engines but it seems like if you have driven it this long that I would keep driving it till the alternator fries then replace it. or go ahead and replace if you so desire.

**clg82** · 11-18-2008, 08:08 AM

Don't mean to hijack your thread but mine does this as well. I have an Ls1 and when I am at wide open throttle (A4) when i get into the higher RPM ranges my lights dim and the volt gauge dips way down.......what could be causing this? I never lose power during this evolution.......suggestions anyone?