Lights Go Dim

[jordan]

I just recently noticed that when i rev my engine when i have it in park, the interior lights (dash lights and overhead light if its on to) flicker (go dim) briefly for a second and then back to normal. Could this be a warning for a potential problem down the road? So far the car drives and runs fine, but i'm a little curious as to why the lights dim

Note: i have the 2.4L engine and a new battery 1 yr ago.

[MixtapeMessiah]

The same is with me. Do u notice that when u turn to steering wheel when ur in park the lights dim also? I dont have the problem with reving and the lights dim out but when I turn the steering wheel or use my power windows that problem also occures

[-Alero-]

well i guess thats signs of a weak battery or alternators right?

[jordan]

definitely isn't the battery.

[Rubered00]

i have the same problem when i turn my wheel...and my battery is fairly new so i dont think that is what it is.

[MixtapeMessiah]

Nah its not the battery, someone asked the same question as u did a looong time ago so its prolbably deleted already. When u have power steering and ur car is sitting still and u turn the wheel, thats added power to have to turn the wheel and thats why the lights go dim for a quick second and maybe ur idle dropped a few hundred.

[natedawg9640]

yeah... there is only so much power to go around and when you turn the wheel it turns on the powersteering and uses power for that so there isn't as much power going to the interior lights... not a big deal... just the way it is...

[MixtapeMessiah]

eeeeexactly

[jordan]

my car is now 5 1/2 yrs old. Generally how long do alternators last?

and is there a test i can do while it is still on the car to see if it needs replacing or if that is the actual problem? wouldn't the check engine light go on if the alternator was beginning to pump out less power?

so when alternators eventually crap out...do they crap out without warning or slowley like what may be happening with mine where the lights dim and also flicker when i have the car stopped.

[racin4JC]

Could be you alternator, they usually slowly crap out and then most notice when they go to crank the car over the battery is almost dead or is dead because it isn't getting charged. But just find a load tester (tests batteries and alternators) or a car parts store might test it for free and it will tell you how much your alternator is charging!