dim headlights

[BrAD19924]

OK i have a grand am gt 03, i have to say that because this is a grnad prix forum and people with think im talking bout a grand prix, anyways i was wondering if anyone can tell me why when i press the break pedal my head lights dim, not a lot just enough for me to notice

 

[Bio248]

youre using some of the cars power to use the brakes.

 

[MrPoopyButthole]

Has anyone ever thought about a ground kit for these cars?

 

[matt5112]

guy on OQCGP made one...

rewire for most of the major electrical.

"the big 5" is what it was dubbed.

 

[BrAD19924]

i realize that i am using some of the power but my sister has an se and it doesnt do that

 

[matt5112]

i'd have to say that something is wrong.

have a volt meter in the car?

 

[blueguy]

I'd say its a vacuum leak...might lead to a loss in power. Check for a hissing sound...but I've never had a vacuum leak that causes the lights to dim...unless the leak is so bad its about to kill the car...which in fact might be the issue. Try the main booster line that goes to the firewall...

 

[BrAD19924]

ok ill have to check but i have never heard a vacum leak coming from the engine sooo

 

[bronzemist02]

Have you checked the alternator? This sounds like a better idea to me than a vacuum leak. Our sunfire used to dim the lights when the brake was put on, but the alt was starting to go.

 

[BrAD19924]

it could be it cause the battery is new

 

[bronzemist02]

take a voltmeter and check the volts on the battery when the car is running. should be at 14-15 v or so when car is running and around 13 when car is off.

 

[BrAD19924]

ill check next time i get a chance thanks

 

[98gtp]

A jumper wire from the fuse block to the alternator also helped in my car.

 

[bronzemist02]

you're welcome.