5/4/11

What Causes Headlights to Flicker?

  • Battery Problems

    • If your car's battery is putting out insufficient voltage, the headlights may flicker because they're not getting enough power, which may result from loose or corroded battery cable connections. Cleaning the cables and the battery terminals with a wire brush may solve the problem. Check all the ground cables to ensure they are connected securely.

    Loose or Faulty Wires

    • A short in the wiring, or a loose wiring connection around your headlights, can cause them to flicker. Inspect the wiring going to the bulb for damage, or a loose connection. Check to see that the headlight bulb isn't loose, and check the light switch on the dash.

    Competing Power Draw

    • Sometimes another process in your car competes with the headlights for power and causes them to flicker or dim while it's running. For example, if you've installed a non-factory sound system that needs a lot of power, your lights may dim while you're running it because it's taking more than its share. Car owners have also reported their headlights dimming when they activate a power window or a sunroof.

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