Just curious if anyone else has seen this?

I've noticed when sitting still at a redlight or such at night that my digital dash appears to softly 'flicker'. Even during the day today I noticed it when sitting at the redlight if I turned on the A/C. Obviously, it's power related. Upon rev'ing the engine, all the electronics seem to brighten slightly and the flicker disappears.

 

is your idle dropping really low? shot in the dark, but maybe you should test the alternator and battery. ever have any trouble starting?

 

yah notice that in mine too, i just thought it was normal.

 

What speed is your engine idling at? Mine usually stays between 800 and 1000 rpm and I've not noticed this. I'll pay closer attention the next time I'm out at night.

You say it brightens when you rev the engine. How fast do you have to rev her up before you get the improvement? If it comes back to full illumination at 1000 to 1200 rpm, I'd say you're probably just idling a little slow. If that's the case, you won't hurt anything unless you spend a lot of time just idling around.

I notice you car is an '02 model. Is it the original battery? If so, it might be time to consider a routine replacement.

Just a thought!
Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

Check the battery. Typically a flickering light on a car points to low power. It probably happens when your brake lights are on, think that way next time it happens. It can be the battery or perhaps the battery cabling. I doubt it'd be the alternator because it is taking up any slack and that's where you get the flickering.

 

, sound like the battery is running low, and as you rev the alternator does its thing.

 

mine does this too..the battery was replaced about a year ago..i'll have to check it.

 

Mine has done this for as long as I can remember. The flicker is barely noticeable. I don't know if it's "normal," but I don't think it's a problem.

 

Mine just started doing it tonight. I thought it might be the battery, once the gas is just touched the flickering goes away.

Did you guys ever find out what it was? Battery / alternator / other?

I'm curious.

 

I have the same problem in my '02. I had the dealership run a diagnostic yesterday. The tech told me that a diode was bad in the alternator. I ordered one and should have it by next week.