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Interior lights dimmer when car off?

T

tom5170

New member
02 GP GT. 197k

I don't know if this is related to my idle sometimes bouncing around/stumbling on initial startup for a second or 2. This idle issue only happens at random.

Today on a cold start, i "primed" fuel pump for 5 seconds before starting. It was dark out so the automatic lights were on. I noticed once I turned the car on, a second or two later the dash lights would become brighter and stay that way. When I shut the car off, the lights appear to be dimmer, but BRIGHTER once the car is running.

Is this normal?
 


Yes, when the lights become brighter, the alternator has kicked in and is now running all the electrical components. Hence car turned off, no alternator equals battery powering everything and it isn't as powerful as the alternator.
 
it seems like there's a "KICK" where everything fires up after a brief second. almost feels like something catches or switches over. but also, sometimes the car has this stumble for a brief second on startup as it's running. it seems like this stumble lasts a second or two and smooths out. i can't really find a pattern because it's always random and doesn't always happen. i thought maybe this "kick" would have something to do with my car stumbling? maybe an alternator issue? my battery is brand new.

i did have an issue last week where my car cranked for about 10-15 seconds before starting. that was after i drove about 20 minutes. it hasn't happened again though.

otherwise my car has no codes. doesn't have any loss of power, runs perfect. i've only owned it 3 months though. the only issue is this stumble but it's so minor it doesn't really bother me. i've only done the lower and upper intake gaskets and oil change. i haven't done a tuneup or anything else to it.
 
you can also note that a healthy resting battery will be about 12.6 volts, car running you should be looking at 13.8 to 14.8 volts. If not I would have the alt tested as well the battery before winter gets here. Them CCA will be a factor.
 
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