dimming lights on ice

[flair1111]

last night as i was driving up a very steep paved road i hit a few patches of ice. now i didnt have it in 4h or 4l as it wasnt needed but i did notice something weird with the headlights.

each time the rear wheels would slip on the ice, the headlights would dim for about 1/4 of a second. is this normal? if so why does it do that? im guessing the tcs kicks in, but should this cause the lights go dim like that?

 

[ChiefRudy]

My lights dim sometimes too when the ESP/TCS kicks in.

I think it's normal. It's also easier to notice when the engine is at lower RPMs b/c the alternator isn't up to speed to match the power demand.

 

[JeepJeepster]

What year is your kj?

Usually my lights will get brighter when I give it gas if I have a lot of stuff on. head lights, fog lights, stereo going, heated seats, they all pull a big load and at low rpms the alternator doesnt put out enough amps to keep up with it all.

If it has ESP/Traction control like ChiefRudy said, it could be the ABS pump kicking on.

 

[hyde]

Does the ESP light go on when the lights flicker?

 

[ChiefRudy]

What year is your kj?

Usually my lights will get brighter when I give it gas if I have a lot of stuff on. head lights, fog lights, stereo going, heated seats, they all pull a big load and at low rpms the alternator doesnt put out enough amps to keep up with it all.

If it has ESP/Traction control like ChiefRudy said, it could be the ABS pump kicking on.

My lights do the same when it give it gas. I notice it ever night when I'm backing up into my parking spot b/c the lights reflect off the car parked infront of me. I actually notice more when I'm back up than in Drive.

 

[flair1111]

the light does flicker if the slipping lasts for 1 second or longer...and its an 06.


all sounds normal then since i was going about 10mph only. makes sense.