my lights dim with my turn signal...

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Old Apr 17, 2008 | 07:50 PM
  #1  
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my lights dim with my turn signal...

when i turn my turn signal on, all my lights, headlights and interior lights dim slightly with the beat of the turn signal, could this be my alternator going?
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Old Apr 17, 2008 | 10:31 PM
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From: Virginia
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Old Apr 17, 2008 | 11:16 PM
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rickjstafford48230's Avatar
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sounds like a alt is not putting out enough voltage easy to check,
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Old Apr 18, 2008 | 07:13 AM
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Wrong! I have been having the same problem too. Ive changed bat. and alt. neither fix it.

Check out this unsolved post: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...dimming+lights

So I am in the process of trying to get this fixed from what i gather in that post.
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Old Apr 19, 2008 | 02:19 PM
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Not always wrong man, just cause it didn't work for you doesn't mean it won't work for him. Our cars have been known to have alternators go out easily.
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Old Apr 19, 2008 | 03:03 PM
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Oh I understand that its not always wrong thats why I changed my bat and alt first but if you read the post that I linked to then you will see that this problem he explained is not the Alternator it is the ELD going crazy. There is a 99.9% chance that this is his problem and not an alt. since he explained the problem exactly like everyone else with the problem has and even I have and it was not our aLts. it is the ELD.

But this is about the best as I got from those post:

"at night headlights dim when turn signals on at idle Tech line #877117 checked charging system battery OK called Tech line Removed #2 pin white green wire from connectorC131 fixed problem."
"Found virtually every load in the vehicle receiving varied voltage input when blinkers were in use. Inconsistent voltage causing any light to have a slight strobe or flash effect. Determined fault to be present in every circuit suggesting a charging system error. Examined the "ELD" (Electrical Load Detector). Found ELD supplying PCM with varying and inconsistent commands/inputs, thus forcing the PCM to constantly switch the alternator from high to low output, causing a vehicle wide condition. Suspect after market bulbs of varying and difference from stock resistance causing an average amperage draw slightly different than stock. The new average draw falls in a gray area of the ELDs logic mapping software, making it difficult /impossible for the ELD via PCM to correctly command high/low operation at idle. If loads are added/taken away, or RPM brought up, problem diminishes. Bypassed ELD to create an always high condition/command for the alternator. This will have zero adverse effects."
Thanks,
smgtech.
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Old Apr 19, 2008 | 07:57 PM
  #7  
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so all i have to do is snip a wire? where is this wire
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Old Apr 20, 2008 | 05:52 PM
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I'm currently getting a mechanic to look at it and when i get it fixed I will let you know hopefully with pics. I really feel someone should have already done a DIY on this because the car is 10 years old and so many people have had the same problem!
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Old Apr 20, 2008 | 08:15 PM
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swiftt5389's Avatar
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just got my alt replaced today lol
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Old Apr 20, 2008 | 10:30 PM
  #10  
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From: Springfield, MO
and the mystery dimming lives on...
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Old Apr 22, 2008 | 11:30 AM
  #11  
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I would say that Acura and or Parts stores and or Mechanics have made a lot of money off the first gen CL replacing bats and alts and never fixing the problem...
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 06:43 PM
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Does anybody have a wiring diagram schematic (not Chiltion or Haynes but Acura or better) for the 98 3.0CL?
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 06:55 PM
  #13  
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who wants to go in together and get this manual?

http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2...EG2FUBHSF02R33
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 07:32 PM
  #14  
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can someone elaborate on bypassing the ELD?
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 08:22 PM
  #15  
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Well there is a plug on top of the alt. it has 4 little wires in it. the bottom left wire if hooked to the pos. bat post will give the alt. an always on connection...I suppose if you wanted to you could do this but i say (bad mpg) so no way...the real question is there a way to fix the ELD? I might have to take it to an Acura Service center and fork up 115 and hr for electrical.
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 11:55 AM
  #16  
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bump
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Old Jun 20, 2014 | 07:02 AM
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For those who are looking at replacing there ELD (Electric Load Detector) which might be the leading indicator as to why your headlights are flashing when your turn signal is engage, check out this post;

http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthr...rt-%28P1298%29
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