Is this normal?

o.k. I'm not sure if my car is supposed to do this: My car idles in between the half mark and 1K when I turn my lights on my engine bogs a little and the idle goes down to the half mark and my clock gets really dim, is this normal? what is my car supposed to idle at? it's an auto if that helps any. Not sure if this is serious or anything just kinda bothers me now that I notice it. thanks.

no its not normal, it could be your dizzy or your wires. becuase mine is auto too and it idles around 1k 2k

when the car is warmed up with your lights on you should be idling around 750-1000rpms

between 1-2k when its cold is normal, not when its warmed up tho.

mine does it and i have an automatic to, but i dont know the rpms, i thinnk it has to do witht the alternator cause before i put a new alternator in it didnt do it, so i think that the alternator is taking power from the engine some how

It is just the extra load of the electrical components making the alternator work harder. As you power on more accessories (amp, A/C, cooling fan, etc..) it continues to do this. A new alternator could help, setting up the idle could help a little too, etc..

Mine does this especially with the A/C on due to the extra drag on the motor of the compressor. If I was really worried about it, I'd adjust it..I even think there is an "accessory load adjustment screw" or some shit, but I am too lazy to look for it. I might fix it when I swap (one of these days :rolleyes: )

The clock is supposed to dim when you turn on the headlamps. Otherwise it would be too bright for night driving.
Flunky

Originally posted by 4-Door Flunky
The clock is supposed to dim when you turn on the headlamps. Otherwise it would be too bright for night driving.
Flunky

Yep.

Mine has always done the same thing, even after I put a 160Amp alternator in...

i wish you could adjust the level of dimming on the clock ... cause when i go to school in the mornings i usually mob with the lights on and cant see the clock cause its too bright out to see it, but not bright enough out to cut the lights. Lately ive just been turning on my bumper lenses which i have wired through a switch.

Originally posted by Melt
i wish you could adjust the level of dimming on the clock ... .


just cut the wire that makes it dim

thanks guys, I think I'm gonna buy a new alternator before I hook up my new amp and my lights and shit, pics will come soon! can I buy a more powerful alternator for my car? Will it cost Alot more or hurt my engine??? thanks.