2008 Headlights Flickering (I4 Models Only)

[BrockPSU]

I know we have discussed this before but I just wanted to revisit the issue and see if anyone has had any luck with the dealers or if there has been a TSB issued yet.

I think the worst part about it is when the dome lights are on and they practically cut off completely. I took my neighbor for a trip to the grocery store and it was kind of embarassing when he asked what was going on with the interior light. :dunno:

[Demonik]

mine was never that bad.....and now that i have my HIDs running off a relay I dont notice it at all....but as of now, no TSBs and I believe all dealers default with "its how the car works"

[jang859]

maybe i'm lucky I mean I got a really early car (in November) but I have never noticed a flicker of my headlights or interior lights... what must you do in order for this to happen? have the music up load? have some aftermarket stereo stuff in? All i really have plugged in is a phone charger...

[native.texan]

My I4 does not experience anything that drastic. No TSB as of yet, though I know complaints were made to NTHSA about this being classified as a safety issue.

mike.

[GigaS27]

The reason for the Dimming is when the AC Compressor kicks on if i'm not mistaken. If it embarrasses you than leave the AC turned off :lmao:

Also on a side note, my interiors never dimmed that bad, but than again i bough it int he winter so i also turn the AC off and never had my door open or lights on when it kicks on.

[Demonik]

The reason for the Dimming is when the AC Compressor kicks on if i'm not mistaken. If it embarrasses you than leave the AC turned off :lmao:

Also on a side note, my interiors never dimmed that bad, but than again i bough it int he winter so i also turn the AC off and never had my door open or lights on when it kicks on.

ya know, not that i think about it, with the headlights getting power directly from the battery, i dont even notice the interior flickering anymore...a slight dim when the compressor kicks on, but you have to be looking for it.....

[jang859]

ohh you have to use the AC. Who uses AC at night? lol.

[GigaS27]

ohh you have to use the AC. Who uses AC at night? lol.


If the girl's in the car or on freeways where it makes there hair go all over the place and they bitch... :lmao: :thumbsup:

[GigaS27]

Wait, i forgot about humidity too, makes their hair a puff ball :naughty:

[BrockPSU]

I typically keep my car on AUTO on the climate control, which will constantly cycle the compressor on and off every 17 seconds. So, on that cycle, if you are running the car at night and someone is using the passenger dome light then you notice it cut out every 17 seconds. I have heard a few comments that the battery is too small in the car to handle the load when the compressor kicks in.

[native.texan]

I typically keep my car on AUTO on the climate control, which will constantly cycle the compressor on and off every 17 seconds. So, on that cycle, if you are running the car at night and someone is using the passenger dome light then you notice it cut out every 17 seconds. I have heard a few comments that the battery is too small in the car to handle the load when the compressor kicks in.

Is it just the dome and headlights that flicker? Do the lights on the dash or radio flicker?

mike.

[BrockPSU]

You are correct, it is just dome and headlights.

[parkaash]

haven't noticed it yet in my present ride. will have to make it a point to watch out for it especially with warmer weather approaching.

but had that happen to me with in my 92 corolla. the mechanic basically "re-wired and installed relays to the headlights and it solved the problem.

[dg7]

The quickest way to ruin a brand is to deny that a problem exists. A fundamental rule of quality control is to use feedback to improve the product. I don't believe that Honda engineering would deny that there is an issue.

The issue is real. When a demand for power is placed on the charging system, cooling fan or AC compressor, the lights dim momentarily. It is annoying. The first time I noticed the issue was when another Accord was behind me at night. I thought they were flashing their lights at me.

It's a timing issue in the charging system or a battery capacity issue.
If you feel compelled to speak about the issue and say we don't have a problem please just refrain from commenting. If you are affiliated with Honda in any way, just listen and try to use the feedback to improve the product. It's a great product. This is an engineering issue that slipped through and needs to be resolved on the 4 cyl models.

[USAFRET]

My headlights and interior (dome) lights dim when there is a heavy electrical load, like when the AC compressor kicks on and when both seat heaters are used and another load in called for like the rear window defogger.

I believe its caused by an under sized battery/alternator. Many manufactures under size these components to save weight.

Does any one know what the CCA's are of our batteries????

[native.texan]

The issue is real. When a demand for power is placed on the charging system, cooling fan or AC compressor, the lights dim momentarily. It is annoying. The first time I noticed the issue was when another Accord was behind me at night. I thought they were flashing their lights at me.



But what accounts for the variance. Why on some I4 models is this issue readily noticeable, and on others, it is minimal. For example, some have noted their dome lights are affected, others their instrument lighting, and some, such as myself, only a slight dimming of the headlights.

mike.

[BrockPSU]

But what accounts for the variance. Why on some I4 models is this issue readily noticeable, and on others, it is minimal. For example, some have noted their dome lights are affected, others their instrument lighting, and some, such as myself, only a slight dimming of the headlights.

mike.

Mike - Try this out tonight when it gets dark. Turn your vehicle on and have the headlights on. Put your climate control on AUTO. Turn on one of the map lights above the rearview mirror. Every 17 seconds you will hear the compressor ctycling and you should notice the interior light and the headlights dimming.

[native.texan]

Mike - Try this out tonight when it gets dark. Turn your vehicle on and have the headlights on. Put your climate control on AUTO. Turn on one of the map lights above the rearview mirror. Every 17 seconds you will hear the compressor ctycling and you should notice the interior light and the headlights dimming.

I did exactly what you suggested, above, a few weeks ago in my garage without interior lights, though. With the climate control on auto, radio playing, I could here the compressor cycling, and, on the garage wall, could see the headlight reflection dim/flicker ever-so-slightly once the cycling began. Have yet to try it with interior lights on as well, so I will try next as you suggested.

mike.

[WisAccord]

My headlights flicker when the compressor cylces on. It is noticeable to the extent of it being kind of embarassing. :yes:

[BrockPSU]

I did exactly what you suggested, above, a few weeks ago in my garage without interior lights, though. With the climate control on auto, radio playing, I could here the compressor cycling, and, on the garage wall, could see the headlight reflection dim/flicker ever-so-slightly once the cycling began. Have yet to try it with interior lights on as well, so I will try next as you suggested.

mike.

The big thing was that I have never had a car that did this before, so what you might consider ever so slight was very noticeable to me. But I am glad that you notice it, a lot of people don't even admit that they see it. I appreciate you trying the interior lights, too.

[Demonik]

The big thing was that I have never had a car that did this before, so what you might consider ever so slight was very noticeable to me. But I am glad that you notice it, a lot of people don't even admit that they see it. I appreciate you trying the interior lights, too.

and that is the big one for most people...any car i have been in has never done that....and like others have said its kinda embarrassing to have a nice ride and have something like that happening

[jang859]

I typically keep my car on AUTO on the climate control, which will constantly cycle the compressor on and off every 17 seconds. So, on that cycle, if you are running the car at night and someone is using the passenger dome light then you notice it cut out every 17 seconds. I have heard a few comments that the battery is too small in the car to handle the load when the compressor kicks in.

here's the crazy thing i noticed about auto mode, it automatically keeps on cabin recyled air.

why does it do that, what benefit is this? i'm afraid to use it now, i thought cabin recycled is not as fresh so not as healthy, and should only be used if you are driving through some dusty/smoggy area or something?

am I wrong? on the flipside is cabin recycled better to use when using AC?

[clewttu]

Its easier to keep the temperature regulated, with less work done by the A/C. For some reason i think it switches to outside air in certain insances...but i dont remember
besides, with the cabin air filter, i think youll be just fine on recycle

[arasheht]

I'm not an expert, but I think that the reason for the flickering is power-demand for things like rear-defrosters and such, as mentioned above. My last car, a Civic DX, didn't have either A/C or anything else that might "drain" the battery. But whenever I turned the rear-defroster on, my lights automatically dimmed. Same with when that cooling fan in the engine turned on. Hope this helps.

[Ice]

here's the crazy thing i noticed about auto mode, it automatically keeps on cabin recyled air.

why does it do that, what benefit is this? i'm afraid to use it now, i thought cabin recycled is not as fresh so not as healthy, and should only be used if you are driving through some dusty/smoggy area or something?

am I wrong? on the flipside is cabin recycled better to use when using AC?

I always leave mine on Auto. It uses air outside 99% of the time. Only time it cycles inside air is when I start up the car with a hot interior (parked outside in Houston heat). Once the temperature cools down, it switches to outside air again.

[native.texan]

I always leave mine on Auto. It uses air outside 99% of the time. Only time it cycles inside air is when I start up the car with a hot interior (parked outside in Houston heat). Once the temperature cools down, it switches to outside air again.


Yup - that is my experience as well. The recirculated air is only on for a short while.

mike.

[native.texan]

The big thing was that I have never had a car that did this before, so what you might consider ever so slight was very noticeable to me. But I am glad that you notice it, a lot of people don't even admit that they see it. I appreciate you trying the interior lights, too.

I did not have a chance to try with the dome light last night (was out of town), but will do tonight, in the garage, when I return home.

mike.

[GigaS27]

From what i learned recycled should be on at all times when using A/C mode. It cools the car quicker plus it pushes air out quicker. Also it keeps the windows from fogging. As for when the heat is on, recycle should not be used as it cause windows to fog and the air feels thicker.

[JamieJam1AIM]

well Im sorry to ask this cause the last post may have answered it.. but WTF was Honda thinking putting a "51" ( civic battery in the accord... the damn car weighs 4409 lbs and its all electronics... ow yes, I know the battery only functions to start the car and then to address additional amperage when its needed My question is at this point, Has anyone upgraded to an Optima yellow top? a standard size cell 650+ CCA or something else? Also Im wondering if having a cap might help to address this issue.. When I get to the wiring phase of my system( Which is majorly extensive) Im going to run a 4 Guage from the alternator straight to the battery in order to lower the resistance , Meaning I want to make sure the battery gets every amp in the simplest way and can accomodate the draw from the amps..

[JamieJam1AIM]

On a footnote.. I prefer the recycled air no fumes and stink from other cars and trucks it filters the dirt but lets the smells through YUK! and once the filter has that stench of deisel you need to change the filter to get rid of it... I pulled the cabin filter the other day and Im going to add a charcoal layer to it in order to difuse any smells from the air and clean better... the filter is a pull out unit that is a cake walk to reach drop the glove box all the way out and its right there.... :)

[turbodave]

here's the crazy thing i noticed about auto mode, it automatically keeps on cabin recyled air.

why does it do that, what benefit is this? i'm afraid to use it now, i thought cabin recycled is not as fresh so not as healthy, and should only be used if you are driving through some dusty/smoggy area or something?

am I wrong? on the flipside is cabin recycled better to use when using AC?

It uses that cabin recirc. mode when it has to get a hot interior cooled down the quickest. LIke mine, when the car's been sitting out in the sun at work all day. When I first fire it up and head for home it's on cabin recirc. but as the cabin temp gets closer to the desired set temp it automatically turns cabin recirc. off and goes to normal.

[native.texan]

Mike - Try this out tonight when it gets dark. Turn your vehicle on and have the headlights on. Put your climate control on AUTO. Turn on one of the map lights above the rearview mirror. Every 17 seconds you will hear the compressor ctycling and you should notice the interior light and the headlights dimming.

Okay - I put on the dome lights while operating the climate control and, yes, I did notice that the interior light did slighly dim when the compressor cycling started. Wonder why it it affects the dome lights, headlights, but not the instrument lighting? :dunno:

mike.

[BrockPSU]

Okay - I put on the dome lights while operating the climate control and, yes, I did notice that the interior light did slighly dim when the compressor cycling started. Wonder why it it affects the dome lights, headlights, but not the instrument lighting? :dunno:

mike.

Don't know Mike, but I'm really glad the instrument lights don't dim, that could be real bad! I think of the dimming as a "wink" :lmao:

[Accordriver]

Okay - I put on the dome lights while operating the climate control and, yes, I did notice that the interior light did slighly dim when the compressor cycling started. Wonder why it it affects the dome lights, headlights, but not the instrument lighting? :dunno:

mike.

The reason the lights dim is because the compressor puts resistance on the motor, and in turn slows down the alternator. The ECM should bump up the rpm to compensate, but starting the compressor will almost always cause the lights to dim. The reason your gauges don't dim is because they have circuitry to keep constant current flowing, that way the "motors" driving the needles are not affected.

[bruceleroy]

i havent even noticed this on the car yet. Ill check it out again later today

Do you guys know if this still happens if you have HIDs installed and LED lights installed for the interiors?

[hatsumomo]

This happens on my EX 4cyl model randomly

I can be driving on the freeway and it randomly occurs, i notified my honda dealer and he didn't know anything about it.


I can have all my settings normal and all sudden flicker.

[RTexasF]

Folks this flickering of the headlights has been going on since the 7th gens came out in 2003 that I'm aware of. Now the dome light flicker I haven't heard of before but the rest is old news. Don't worry yourself silly over nothing. Yes, mine does it too and I don't like it but that's just the way it is. I hope someone figures out a workaround but so far it's just considered the nature of the beast and continues in the 8th gen.

[BrockPSU]

Folks this flickering of the headlights has been going on since the 7th gens came out in 2003 that I'm aware of. Now the dome light flicker I haven't heard of before but the rest is old news. Don't worry yourself silly over nothing. Yes, mine does it too and I don't like it but that's just the way it is. I hope someone figures out a workaround but so far it's just considered the nature of the beast and continues in the 8th gen.

You would think that if people have been complaining about this since 2003 they would have fixed it 4 years ago, but it is stil a problem in a brand new car. It's kind of dissapointing, but other than this, I am extremely happy about my car!

[Demonik]

the only fix is to rig up a relay harness for your headlights...thats the major thing everyone hates....so if you make your headlights draw power straight from the battery...it will be fine

[BrockPSU]

How would you suggest doing that, and would it fix the interior light issue also?

[Edaccord08]

the only fix is to rig up a relay harness for your headlights...thats the major thing everyone hates....so if you make your headlights draw power straight from the battery...it will be fine
Don't be so sure about that unless you tested and the light voltage was below battery 12.7v. The "running" voltage is like 14.5-15v all regulated electronically by charging system.

I bet what happens if you ran some tests the voltage does like 14.5>13.x and you see the flicker until alternator regulator kicks in to readjust it (stabilize it)
I haven't check honda's but most cars draw power right from a main distribution power block/fuse that comes right off the positive of battery.
I personally am not bothered by the split second drop, I never notice it much while driving .

[native.texan]

You would think that if people have been complaining about this since 2003 they would have fixed it 4 years ago, but it is stil a problem in a brand new car. It's kind of dissapointing, but other than this, I am extremely happy about my car!

Me too. No big deal. In fact, had others not raised the issue, I may have never noticed it.

mike.

[BrockPSU]

So any idea on wiring the relay?

[Demonik]

get a weather proof (weather resistant) relay and good wire and go at it....thats about all i can say, its not a hard thing, just make sure not to cross polarities

[Insane08]

Same problem here but i`m not concerned about it, yet..

[BrockPSU]

get a weather proof (weather resistant) relay and good wire and go at it....thats about all i can say, its not a hard thing, just make sure not to cross polarities

Does that take care of the interior lights too?

[Demonik]

Does that take care of the interior lights too?

maybe....by not having the direct drain of power from both the headlights and the interior lights, you might be able to fix it...i knwo with my hids being on a relay the interior lights dim less now when the compressor kicks on than before

but lets be honest if you are concentrating more on your interior lights when driving then you got another problem...the headlights flickering are the biggest concern and affect how you drive....at least it did for me...

[BrockPSU]

maybe....by not having the direct drain of power from both the headlights and the interior lights, you might be able to fix it...i knwo with my hids being on a relay the interior lights dim less now when the compressor kicks on than before

but lets be honest if you are concentrating more on your interior lights when driving then you got another problem...the headlights flickering are the biggest concern and affect how you drive....at least it did for me...

You're correct about that, I was just wondering if it was a by-product of it at all.

Called my dealer, spoke with the service manager said that once again it is normal fuction of the ELD...looks like there is no fix in sight on this one.