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2001 Ford Focus Light Pulsing

Sent to Car Experts February 25, 2006 12:29 a.m.

I've noticed recently that my headlights and instrument lights seem to fluxuate in intensity while I drive. They will dim and brighten back to normal occasionally and I can't seem to figure out a pattern. It's not in sequence with turning on of any accessories or running of the A/C or anything.

There are really no other symptoms. There is ever so slight a vibration while idling but I think it's about time for new spark plugs which would be the reason for that.

The Battery/Alt lights never come on while the car is running but they turn on when you turn the key to the accesory position confirming that the bulbs aren't burnt out.

A new alternator would probably be 350-400 bucks so I'd like to know what my next move should be. I tested the alternator about a month ago after the first time I noticed this occuring but it tested out fine.

This is in no way a constant symptom. It probably happens about 30% of the time I drive the car at night and I've noticed no other symptoms. The battery seems to be getting a full charge because everything works as it should with the key turned to accesory and the engine off (no dim headlights or anything) and if I could drive it with my eyes closed at night I'd never know anything was happening when the light intensity fluxuates (meaning there is no performance sign).

Let me know what I should check.

Optional Information:
2001 Ford Focus

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Answer
February 25, 2006 1:50 a.m. (1 hour and 20 minutes later)

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mANNY GUINDIN -- Auto Mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 12 Car Accepts
8 years working with vws, bmw, lexus, toyota and domestics cars if i help you please let me know

Answer
February 25, 2006 5:36 a.m. (3 hours and 46 minutes later)

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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2710 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.

Reply
Sent February 25, 2006 9:42 a.m. (4 hours and 5 minutes later)

That could be it. I just want to clarify that when I say pulsing I mean that the light intensity of the headlights and gauges changes. That don't flicker all the way off or anything. Just become dimmer then bright again at seemingly random intervals. Does your diagnosis still fit? I thought the switch would just cause them to completely flicker on and off.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
February 25, 2006 6:22 p.m. (8 hours and 40 minutes later)

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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2710 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.

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