Topic: Lights flicker/dims in 2007 Honda Civic LX Sedan

[2007Civic]

I have a 2007 Honda civic LX sedan Automatic. Whenever I have defroster or Air condition ON the headlights will flicker every minute or so, even the map lights inside if they are on.

I took it to the dealer and he said this is by design all honda civics do that.

His explanation is that defroster or air conditioner draws power and that is why you see the flickering but this is very annoying and very noticeable?

Is this true that it is happening in all new civics more or less than mine?

I will appreciate any help in this regards.

In the mean time I am thinking of taking it to another dealership for another opinion and if that does not rectify it I will call Honda Canada.

But if anybody else is experiencing this please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

[airbalancer]

Is this hoax post like Bridezilla video?
I would try another dealer

[dr_spock]

Maybe it is a VW in disguise. 

Sounds like there is a power drop somewhere. 

[wing]

Is this during idle or while driving?

[mdxtasy]

It's not a huge flicker or dimming of the lights right?  A little blip and it's back on to normal brightness?  That's normal.  The a/c and/or the defroster does draw electricity....and the a/c does kick in and out if you have a climate control system.  The rpm's might dip a bit too.

[Cord]

Not only is it normal, it's a design feature to prevent drivers from dozing off behind the wheel. Honda figures if they can keep drivers wondering every minute or so, "what's going on here?" their heightened state of alertness will keep them from falling asleep.

[airbalancer]

Not only is it normal, it's a design feature to prevent drivers from dozing off behind the wheel. Honda figures if they can keep drivers wondering every minute or so, "what's going on here?" their heightened state of alertness will keep them from falling asleep.

 

[2007Civic]

911Targa4S

Lights dim while driving as well and it happens every minute or so.

Even the map lights and dom light inside will dim if they are ON.


MdX5
It's not a huge flicker or dimming of the lights right?  A little blip and it's back on to normal brightness?  That's normal.  The a/c and/or the defroster does draw electricity....and the a/c does kick in and out if you have a climate control system.  The rpm's might dip a bit too.

Hi MdX5, in my case only the lights dim but rmp does not go up or down.
Mine does not have automatic climate system as in luxury cars

Seems like some of you are saying this is normal and some are saying it is not.

Honda dealership said the same thing that this is normal but I think it is very bad design and it is annoying.  I can understand if it does once when you turn the defroster ON but not every minute or so...

I will appreciate any more input on this.

Thanks.

[quadzilla]

911Targa4S

Lights dim while driving as well and it happens every minute or so.

Even the map lights and dom light inside will dim if they are ON.


MdX5
It's not a huge flicker or dimming of the lights right?  A little blip and it's back on to normal brightness?  That's normal.  The a/c and/or the defroster does draw electricity....and the a/c does kick in and out if you have a climate control system.  The rpm's might dip a bit too.

Hi MdX5, in my case only the lights dim but rmp does not go up or down.
Mine does not have automatic climate system as in luxury cars

Seems like some of you are saying this is normal and some are saying it is not.

Honda dealership said the same thing that this is normal but I think it is very bad design and it is annoying.  I can understand if it does once when you turn the defroster ON but not every minute or so...

I will appreciate any more input on this.

Thanks.

I would think this is the compressor for the a/c cycling on/off.

If you are really unsure....go back to Honda and try to replicate it in a new car on their lot.

[safristi]

Lites flicker and DIM SUM.........sounds like an  Id PARTEEE!!!!!.....

[mdxtasy]

My MDX does it when the AC cycles on....it's a little blip. 

[Minou]

My Corolla's idle goes up to 1200 RPM everytime the compressor kicks in, probably to avoid this.  On my 99 Accord, it stayed at around 800 but I could notice the engine straining with the extra electrical load imposed by the juicier accessories.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

The Golf doesn't really do this, but I noticed on the Ram the interior lights will dim (say if the door is open) when you turn on the A/C due to the compressor. But it doesn't cycle every minute or 5 or anything. Just seems to be a blip.

[articsteve]

Not normal. 

Which dealer?

[2007Civic]

Middlegate Honda in Burnaby on Kingsway.

[articsteve]

The problem is that another dealer will not want to investigate this defect because there is no money in it for them as these type of defects are usually very difficult to identify. Usually require guess work and many parts and Honda Canada won't reimburse the dealer without considerable squawking.  So from a third party dealer's stand point; why get into it.  It is worth a try, but don't be surprised if you get the same answer.

[Wetson]

The same thing happens on my 05 Accord EX-L.  When the head lights are on and the AC compressor kicks in or I open or close a window or the sunroof, the headlights dim.  I took it to the dealer and they couldn't find anything wrong with the electrical system.  My 03 Accord Coupe with the 6 cylinder does not do this.

I'm wondering if it's a characteristic of the alternator they use with the 4 cylinder engine.?.?.?

[Minou]

The same thing happens on my 05 Accord EX-L.  When the head lights are on and the AC compressor kicks in or I open or close a window or the sunroof, the headlights dim.  I took it to the dealer and they couldn't find anything wrong with the electrical system.  My 03 Accord Coupe with the 6 cylinder does not do this.

I'm wondering if it's a characteristic of the alternator they use with the 4 cylinder engine.?.?.?

Like not powerful enough and with the motorcycle batteries Honda is using, no wonder lights dim when more accessories are summoned, especially in cold weather.