power fluctuating / headlights dimming problem

[gunlak]

@cyclo

not too keen on putting LED's on my headlights. I don't like the beam pattern and output.

==========
okay, i'll be reading more about this.

@mitz
just got my battery replaced 2 months ago with Motolite Enduro

Even on my stock battery, it happened. That's why when I changed my battery (the stock died out) I was hoping for the dipping to go. but to no avail.

this doesn't happen on our other cars, just my mirage.

[gunlak]

@cyclo

not too keen on putting LED's on my headlights. I don't like the beam pattern and output.

==========
okay, i'll be reading more about this.

@mitz
just got my battery replaced 2 months ago with Motolite Enduro

Even on my stock battery, it happened. That's why when I changed my battery (the stock died out) I was hoping for the dipping to go. but to no avail.

this doesn't happen on our other cars, just my mirage.

[cyclopathic]

I have replaced only one of my H4 halogens w/ a LED type rated at 3600 lumens for testing and observation. It is brighter than the halogen but I prefer the beam pattern of the halogen. I am still looking for a 80 to 100W LED that can match the beam pattern of the Halogen bulb.

The 2nd LED bulb listed in LED thread has very good filament location, exactly like OEM bulbs. It is "only" 3000lm, but it is still x2 more than halogens. We tried several and this was the first one to work. No need to adjust beam, the only trick was to make sure it is turned all the way in the detachable base.

You are right many dual filament LED have issues with filament location.

[Mitz]

...

just got my battery replaced 2 months ago with Motolite Enduro

Even on my stock battery, it happened. That's why when I changed my battery (the stock died out) I was hoping for the dipping to go. but to no avail.

this doesn't happen on our other cars, just my mirage.

I am intrigued by your problem. How long did your old battery last?

I could only suggest - Try to measure the battery voltage (with a voltmeter) under normal condition and during the time it dips.

I suspect there's something connected in your electricals that is drawing too much current. If this should be the case, the life of your (NEW) battery would be shortened.

[gunlak]

I am intrigued by your problem. How long did your old battery last?

I could only suggest - Try to measure the battery voltage (with a voltmeter) under normal condition and during the time it dips.

I suspect there's something connected in your electricals that is drawing too much current. If this should be the case, the life of your (NEW) battery would be shortened.

my old battery lasted around 1 and a half years. actually it's still good to use but the moment it hard started, I immediately had it replaced. I never topped up the old battery with distilled water.

the only times it dips is when i'm idling and in the following situations:
- steering the wheel
- using the power windows
- turning on the rear window heaters
- blasting the AC
- when the AC compressor kicks in
- slight dip when hazards are on
- radio on full blast

but after it dips, it stabilizes after a while just like how a normal working system is.

[Eggman]

the only times it dips is when i'm idling and in the following situations:
- steering the wheel
- using the power windows
- turning on the rear window heaters
- blasting the AC
- when the AC compressor kicks in
- slight dip when hazards are on
- radio on full blast

but after it dips, it stabilizes after a while just like how a normal working system is.

Sounds to me like it is working as it should.

[Mitz]

Switching on hazard lights also affects the HL?

- seems to me the voltage drop across the HL wiring resistance is greater than 1-volt.

[gunlak]

the drop from the hazard lights are very minimal. not really that noticeable. i must be just too anal about it.

[Mitz]

Light output, or luminous intensity drops off faster than the voltage drops because of the relationship between the two. Here's what happens according to Hella:

• 100% voltage = 100% intensity
• 95% voltage = 83% intensity
• 90% voltage = 67% intensity
• 85% voltage = 53% intensity

Lighting is designed to operate near the 14V your alternator puts out.

If you are only getting 12V from the battery when the lights are on, you will only be producing 1/2 of the possible light output.

[Eggman]

1. 12V Lead acid batteries typically put out a bit more than just 12 volts.
2. Wiring accounts for some loss when measured at the bulb, the effect of which is minimized with properly sized gauge and length wiring from the factory.