I've had my CL for a year now with one annoying problem...very noticeable at night when stopped at red light etc. (brake pedal depressed). The dash lights, stereo lights and head lights will pulse slightly (the lights get bright for a quick second and then dim...over and over). Dealer said this is normal. I can't believe this would be normal in an otherwise excellent car. About to try a different dealer. Any ideas on the problem or what part of the electrical system could cause this?

 

this is normal... its is the feed of power through from your alternator.. do you have a system?! The more power you are drawing causes a dimming in your lights... If ytou notice, when you turn signals are on your engine rpms will also seem to fluctuate alil... you can either a. buy a new strong battery (not going to do much) b. buy a beefed up alternator (not really available) c. if you havea stereo buy a farad cap. which stores energy so you do not suck it from your alternator...

DONT STRESS IT!

 

oh... and WELCOME to the boards!!!

 

welcome to the board, and do what Casper98CL said get a cap.

 

I have the same problem...and no system. In fact, it's gotten to the point where it happens at idle in neutral with the AC, stereo and everything else off. If I hold lightly on the brakes, you can feel a pulsation that is synchronized with the light flickering. I had it at carmax (still under warranty) and they tore it apart for two days without finding anything. Send me an email if you have any luck.

 

if your really bored sit in your car wiht just the engine running and no stereo or a/c and mash the brakes. You can watch your rpms do a little dance while your lights dim to the beat of your foot.



god I am so bored right now. At least I can surf the internet at work.

 

Yeah, I have the same problem in my 1998 3.0CL, and I'm currently in the state of the person who left the first post. (Frustrated and looking to consult a second dealer).

Though you all stay it's normal, and not a problem.. my alternator failed, and Acura replaced it under warranty, and I've recently purchased a new battery.. and the lights still dim (but, admittedly only when I drive fast--which is a lot). I don't have a system either.
Nonetheless, I still find it hard to believe that it's normal--do other cars have the same problem? And do all who are having this problem own the 1998 3.0 CL (VTEC?) ? ..maybe it's the year of the model that has a glitch?

I've also noticed the pulsing brake whenever my foot is not holding the brake all the way down. This that just a result of "wear-and-tear"?

Disappointed and bothered by the issue..
But still loving my little baby