What happens when you go on a long drive at night, and your car lights start flickering? We are not narrating a horror story. This can happen to anyone, and it’s dangerous. It’s more of a technical problem that needs fixing. There are so many wires and different parts in a vehicle that it’s difficult to figure out what went wrong. Don’t try to solve this technical issue all by yourself.
What are the cases of these wired lights flickering in cars? And how do we fix it?
Well, this article answers both questions simultaneously. You will get a solution/fix for every technical problem. Let’s get started!
Why do car headlights flicker?
Flickering of headlights is possible in both situations while driving or at idle. If your car’s headlights are flickering, the reason could be voltage sag. Voltage sag happens for various reasons:
1. Faulty Battery
Your car’s battery is able to take the voltage, which is why you need to fix it. Also, the car battery is about to run out, or the charge is going to run out soon. What happens if it is not able to charge? Please remember that a weak battery can help in running the vehicle, but your lights will not work. A car’s battery will run smoothly for up to five years, but after that, you must change it. Moreover, the car battery’s lifespan will depend on the weather and driving conditions. If you treat your car well, your car’s battery will run smoothly for years.
Solution: Check the charging capacity and acid level of your car battery. If the car battery is not able to charge up, there is a problem, and so you’ll see the flickering dash lights along with headlights that use halogen bulbs or XEnon that consume a lot of energy. Also, when the junction box is corroded (it is right beneath the battery where all the acid gets collected), it does not allow the full current transfer. Once the car gets in motion, this junction box may bump. Thus, it is best to get the acid level and charging capacity checked.
2. Defective Alternator
There are three rotating plates in your car, and they are responsible for generating electricity. Once they wear out, power diminishes, which causes lights to flicker.
Solution: Ask the technician to check the voltage of the alternator. It should be about 14-15 volts. In case you find out that the alternator is faulty, check the regulator. It is easy to change it and does not take a lot of bucks too. In case this also does not work, consider changing the diode bridge. If none of this works, you have no other option but to change the alternator.
3. The ground strap is worn out
In case the ground strap gets damaged/worn out, the car’s electrical circuit would encounter some resistance while trying to give power to the headlights. It is possible that your headlights will flicker due to this reason. The majority of the electrical elements would depend on ground connections which also include the ignition system. If there is any intermittent connection or a wobbly bolt, you can expect lights to flicker.
Solution: The ground strap needs to be tightened. In case it is worn out or damaged, you have to replace it. Always check its efficacy before bidding it adieu.
4. Wiring overstressed
A powerful stereo system or overheating can cause the flickering of car lights. It is uncommon but can still happen. The cause is voltage sagging.
Solution: Speak to the mechanic and ask them to do a quick check-up of your vehicle. The mechanic will also suggest the replacement of this wiring, and you cannot bring back overstressed wiring to life.
5. Xenon lamps
In case you have a xenon lamp, consider this as a sign that it will stop burning after some time. It is also a possibility that your ignition unit has a problem.
Solution: It is evident that you need to change the lamps.
6. Using aftermarket equipment
In case you are using any aftermarket equipment, it may use a lot of power and thus cause flickering of lights. You may also notice the car interior lights flickering because of that. Always remember that aftermarket equipment is hungry for more power. You must ask yourself whether your car needs it or you can skip it completely.
BMW and Mercedes Benz cars, for example, are well now for this light flickering on LED aftermarket bulbs. So, when you replace the factory bulbs with LED ones, your car’s system monitors whether they work or not by sending a short signal every 3 minutes or so. That low-power signal won’t turn on halogen bulbs, but they are enough to illuminate the LED. That’s why you may see your car’s headlights flashing frequently and like every 3 minutes.
What should you do when nothing works?
If you have tried everything in the list we have mentioned, and the car lights are still flickering, then there is a serious issue with the wiring of your car. You need to get this checked with a professional. You cannot do this yourself simply because it is a long-drawn process, especially on vehicles by BMW, Mercedes, Range Rover, or others like GM and Toyota that are a little easier to fix.
Moreover, you would have to pay a lot of money and give time to this. Is it worth it? Well, if your car is special and you have put in a lot of money to buy it, you will have to pay the expenses.
Should you ignore the light flickering issue?
The answer is NO, the flickering of lights is a serious problem, people use the car for emergencies too. You may need to drive it in the middle of the night. If the car light is not working, you can crash into another car. Moreover, it is not safe to drive with a flickering headlight car. Some roads are dark, isolated, and have no human beings in the middle of the night.
Also, there are many countries where driving a car with faulty lights or damaged car lights is not allowed. You have to pay a hefty price for it. In some cases, you have to face the consequences of driving with a flickering car light.
Headlights are meant to give you 100% safety on roads. Whether it’s in the middle of the light, in a forest, or on a beach, consider fixing your car lights. In fact, you must check this flickering light problem before heading out for a long trip. Since you will be driving a long distance, the car lights should be in perfect condition.
So, try all the options and then come to a conclusion. You must get your car diagnosed and find the root cause. It is possible that your car has a minor issue that can be fixed for a few dollars.
