Lights flickering when brakes applied?

[turbojerk]

I've been noticing that when I have the light on that when I hit the brakes and the brake lights come on the head lights flicker. Is this just normal or is something else to blame?

Thanks
T

[quicksilverdon]

There have been many posts about headlight flicker - here and at PTCrew.com - Learn it or Burn it.
Some things:
Battery on it's way out?
Battery cables tight and clean?
Some have found adding ground cables helped (get pre-made ones at AdvanceAuto, etc, and go from - lug of battery to motor or chassis, or both).

[atlctuzr]

It sounds like you need a new battery. Replacing the battery should solve your problem.

[turbojerk]

Battery starts the car fine and seems ok...?

[atlctuzr]

The battery will start the car OK, when you increase the load on the electrical system, AC, headlights, windshield wipers, radio, etc, the headlights will dim when you press on the brake pedal and the tail lights come on.

My 2001 Vette did the same thing, replacing the battery solved the problem. Your battery is getting weak and will not handle the entire electrical load. Take it to one of the auto stores and ask them to load test the battery, if the battey is losing power, it will show up during the test.

Replacing the battery should solve the problem.

[bobdole369]

Quicksilvers on the right track. I had the funky flicker too - The biggest effect was to add a 4AWG wire from negative directly to the chassis, drill a new hole, scuff it all up and put a ring terminal and nut/bolt combo in. I.E. increase the wiring to the chassis of the car.

Take it to one of the auto stores and ask them to load test the battery, if the battey is losing power, it will show up during the test.

Darn good advice - if its really old and starting to sulfate it's voltage is dipping and bringing down the electrical system with it. Any parts store does these tests for free - part of selling you a battery and all.

[Mean Green]

Been going on since the PT came out. Doing a hyperground fixed mine. Can buy a kit or DIY. If DIY use 8ga wire from a stereo shop and gold ring connectors. Pretty easy to do and a lot cheaper than a kit.