Steering affects headlight brightness.

**alexaescht** · 22-09-2012, 10:42 PM

Hi guys, since new our 2011 TDI has had this weird thing where if you have the lights on and you quickly turn the steering wheel, the lights flicker between normal and more dimmed. It even affects the interior lights.
I know that the power steering is electric but our 2012 Renaut Megane's steering is also electric and does not have the slightest hint of this issue.

Thanks for any help,
alexaescht.

**gavs** · 23-09-2012, 02:34 PM

Dealership mate, sounds like too much strain on the electrical system or dodgy earth...

**danielv10** · 23-09-2012, 03:17 PM

Mine does it to some degree too. I don't notice once I'm driving but when I pull up to the garage or leaving with the lights on, I can see slight dimming with turning of the steering wheel. Don't know how bad your one is though. My interior lights are fine..

**alexaescht** · 23-09-2012, 05:19 PM

Thanks guys, ill take that on board.
It does seem better once your driving, but it is very noticeable when stationary. We'll get it looked at when we get the rear pads replaced.

Thanks again,
alexaescht.

**Kez** · 23-09-2012, 07:47 PM

Mine dim if I use the auto windows, but I have come from an 04 golf and that did it also so I'm not bothered, I figure it's normal/nothing to be worried about.

**gavs** · 23-09-2012, 08:57 PM

Another one I forgot is a dodgy battery could cause it too...

**Vdubboys81** · 21-04-2013, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by alexaescht

Thanks guys, ill take that on board.
It does seem better once your driving, but it is very noticeable when stationary. We'll get it looked at when we get the rear pads replaced.

Thanks again,
alexaescht.

hey Alex,

Ours does the same, have you had yours looked at by a dealer? If so what was the outcome?

Cheers mate

**alexaescht** · 21-04-2013, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by Vdubboys81

hey Alex,

Ours does the same, have you had yours looked at by a dealer? If so what was the outcome?

Cheers mate

Nah haven't had it to the dealer for ages haha, we've been going to a mechanic just down the road from them (Berwick Prestige) because the stealership is so bloody expensive.

But a few things need to be done, so next service might be done at the stealer.

**mythik** · 21-04-2013, 08:33 PM

The OP described issue is normal. As the polo uses electromechanical steering and as the alternator puts out a lower current level at idle the 12v rail dips from the higher alternator induced voltage of ~14.5 to the battery voltage of ~12.5 as the load of the steering drags down the voltage consequently the lights dim showing this occurring.

Don't stress about it.

**Bassik** · 21-04-2013, 09:01 PM

I have the same issue but due to my Xenon Retro fit my LEDs can't dim so they just flicker on and off. It's really annoying but I can't think of anything that could causing it other then lack of voltage to the lights or reduced current when power steering is active.