
BMW of El Paso can help you identify what is making your car lights flicker.
If you notice your vehicle lights dimming while driving, it’s likely because of a battery that is dying. In the rare case when it’s not the battery, there are other common trouble spots that may be responsible for the issue. Whether it’s the car battery or something else, you should get the problem diagnosed and repaired as quickly as possible. If your lights aren’t functioning properly, you might become a hazard to other drivers.
The three places dimming lights can happen are:
Since the battery is the easiest item to replace, this is where a technician will look first. If you suspect the battery is dying, bring it here so we can properly diagnose the issue and get the right OEM battery for your car. While there are cases caused by a bad battery, there are other components to consider.
If the battery is not the reason for your flickering car lights, you might be looking at a failing light bulb. Bulbs are an easy fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new energy-efficient LED bulbs.
If it is a blown fuse, you might be dealing with a more significant issue than you had originally anticipated. In most cases, a fuse dies when there is excess electrical current flowing through it. For example, if your anti-lock brakes are installed with a 10amp fuse, and the fuse receives over 10amps of electricity, the fuse would fail. In this example, this could also cause your anti-lock brakes to fail. If there is a fuse that regularly fails, bring your car in so we can thoroughly diagnose the bigger, potentially more dangerous issue.
Flickering dashboard lights can also be signs that the alternator is dying. Think of it this way, you use battery power to start your vehicle, but to keep your vehicle running, the power is supplied by the alternator. If you own an older car with halogen lights, you may see them slowly get dimmer with a dying alternator. For newer cars with LED or HID lights, they may flicker on and off or just stop working altogether.
A failing light switch, either the interior dimmer or the headlight switch, should be considered when you have flickering lights on the vehicle. In some situations, replacing a worn-out switch could solve the flickering light issue, especially in older vehicles or vehicles with excessive wear. If your vehicle is new, it could be a sign of a more significant issue with the car’s electrical system.
Figuring out these concerns can be overwhelming, so if you notice any problems with flickering lights on your car, bring it to us immediately. Our trained technicians will investigate the issue and provide you with options for fixing the flickering lights.
BMW of El Paso is an ideal place to get vehicle service in the El Paso area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your car or truck to determine if there are any needed repairs and will suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your luxury car or SUV service online or in person today.