Headlight trouble 2004 Opel Astra

PixelTrawler

Hi

I plan to take it in for a service anyway in January but just wondering if anyone has an idea what this could be.

My dipped headlights give a bit of a stutter when I first use them. I always start the car with the lights off. The battery is 2 years old, and the indicator symbol on it says its fully charged (its a halfords, pretty sure its this one http://www.halfords.ie/motoring/bulbs-blades-batteries/car-batteries/halfords-lead-acid-battery-hb334-3-yr-guarantee and the symbol is green with a red dot which it says means its charged). Theres never a problem starting the car, and I don't see anything else flicker such as dashboard lights or the radio etc)

Anyway, when i switch on the lights, they give a quick flicker, then go out and come back on after a delay of about 3-4 seconds. The parking lights dont seem to be impacted and I've never seen any issue with them once they are on and I'm driving. It happens with both sides of the car so I presume its an electrical gremlin. The lights are constant when on, no sign of any flickers or brightness changes.

The delay thing is new as in this week, they've been doing the flicker for a while, so it seems like something is getting worse also.

Atlantic Dawn

Is there any high drain items on at the same time like rear window demister, heated mirrors/seats or phones being charged?

Could be the car has been doing short drives and that the battery isn't getting fully charged. This time of year with heater on, lights on, demister on the car needs good drives to replace what is being used on short runs.

PixelTrawler

No high drain items. As a rule I always start the car with everything off even the radio - its just a habit.

Yes to the short journeys though. I work from home, herself takes the train to work. The car is mainly used for shopping, the gym and the odd local trip. Mind you its been going through this pattern for a few years. Its been a bit more idle the last two weeks alright.
(Edit and that reminds me I've been running the window heater a bit as it was foggying up on those short journeys... maybe the battery is a bit low...)

Would the headlights show up a low battery quicker than starting the car? Would have thought the drain by the engine would be higher than the bulbs.

It'll be going on a decent drive tomorrow as we're heading to the folks for christmas. I'll see what its like after that drive.

Atlantic Dawn

I notice most cars I have driven if you have the lights on and then say turn on the rear demister or press the electric windows up full you will notice a slight dimming of the lights, I'd say with a weak battery it would be more noticable. If your drives are less than 5-10 miles at a go and your never going over this than that's likely the cause.

Tiercel Dave

Could it be a faulty relay switch?

PixelTrawler

Could be a relay, it might explain the few seconds delay.
Ill get it checked.

ironclaw

PixelTrawler wrote: »

Could be a relay, it might explain the few seconds delay.
Ill get it checked.

Are they standard bulbs or HID? The latter could indicate a ballast issue.

PixelTrawler

No just standard bulbs. Hids would be too fancy for my old yoke