Headlights intensity changing while shifting...

[eqwalker]

Originally Posted by SmartDigger

Better Ground and a bigger battery would do the trick.

Agreed. That would definitely help with the current spike.

[SmartAzz]

Someone should document the headlight dimming on video, be curious to see what the official word from Smart is.

(Fwiw, I have not noticed this happening, but then again the city is pretty bright in general, just might not be the right conditions to make it obvious during the relatively short stints we've driven the Smart around town at night.)

[eqwalker]

Originally Posted by SmartAzz

(Fwiw, I have not noticed this happening, but then again the city is pretty bright in general, just might not be the right conditions to make it obvious during the relatively short stints we've driven the Smart around town at night.)

On mine it is only noticeable when out where it is really dark. I live sort of out away from the city and drive to work early while it is still dark. I notice it quite often when passing through the countryside where no city lights are.

[MP3SMART]

I haven't noticed it yet. Now I have something new to drive me crazy. Historically, the dimming of the lights was consistent with a bad voltage regulator on the alternator and low battery. With higher rpm's, you got brigher lights, as the rpm's decreased, the lights would dim because they weren't getting enough juice directly from the battery. You people are very observant.

[Amethyste]

Originally Posted by eqwalker

On mine it is only noticeable when out where it is really dark. I live sort of out away from the city and drive to work early while it is still dark. I notice it quite often when passing through the countryside where no city lights are.

Yes, that's where I noticed it too, pitch black darkness! I live in the boonies, so the light's dimming is really noticeable then.

Glad to see I am not the only one who observed that. I feel "normal" now. So there is nothing to be concerned about right?

[Okie Boy]

Originally Posted by Amethyste

Yes, that's where I noticed it too, pitch black darkness! I live in the boonies, so the light's dimming is really noticeable then.

Glad to see I am not the only one who observed that. I feel "normal" now. So there is nothing to be concerned about right?

There may be a slight drop in the alternator output at lower RPMs which might cause your lights to dim slightly, but this is not uncommon since most alternators reach full output at mid-engine speeds, and the smart may have an underdrive pully to save engine power.

[jose3030]

Solution = HIDs!

[smarteepants]

Might have to replace the "aaa" batteries the smart runs on.

[curtis]

I have the same thing happen in my Toyota Matrix, It has done it ever since it was new.

[Old smart]

I'm with the physical pitching and rocking camp.