Bob Howard Honda can help you identify what is making the lights on your car flicker.
If you observe your car lights flickering while driving, it’s likely due to a battery that’s failing. In the case when it’s not the battery, there are other trouble areas that may be causing the issue. No matter the cause, you should have the problem diagnosed and repaired as quickly as possible. When your car lights aren’t functioning correctly, you might become a danger to yourself and other drivers.
Dimming lights generally occur in three places:
Because the battery is the most convenient item to replace, this is where most of us will look first. If you suspect the battery is dying, bring it here so we can diagnose the issue and get the right battery for your vehicle. While there are cases that result from a dying battery, there are other factors to consider.
READ MORE: Honda Warning Light Guide
If the vehicle battery is not the cause of your flickering car lights, it could be a failing light bulb or a bad fuse. Failing bulbs are an easy fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new energy-efficient LED bulbs.
If it’s a blown fuse, you might be looking at a more significant issue than you had originally thought. In most cases, a fuse only dies when there is too much electricity runs through it. For example, if your anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the fuse receives more than 10amps of electricity, the fuse will fail. In this example, your anti-lock brakes could fail due to the failed fuse. If there’s a fuse that continues to fail, bring it in and we’ll thoroughly diagnose the bigger, potentially more serious issue.
Flickering dash lights may also be signs that your alternator is going to die. Think of it like this, you start your car with battery power, but the alternator supplies the power that keeps your vehicle running. If you drive an older vehicle with halogen lights, you may notice them get dimmer with a failing alternator. On newer cars equipped with HID or LED lighting, they may flicker or stop functioning altogether.
A failing light switch, either the interior dimmer or the headlight switch, should be considered if you have flickering lights on your vehicle. In some rare situations, just replacing a worn switch may solve the problem, especially in vehicles with excessive mileage or older vehicles. If your vehicle is newer, it could be symptoms of a more significant problem with the car’s electrical system.
Figuring out these concerns can seem overwhelming, so if you are experiencing any issues with the lights flickering on your vehicle, bring it to us immediately. Our technicians will investigate the issue and give you options for fixing the flickering car lights.
Bob Howard Honda is an ideal place to get vehicle service in the Oklahoma City area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your car or truck to determine if there are any needed repairs and will suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your car, truck, SUV, or minivan service online or in person today.