Renualt Megane Scenic 53 plate, - lights dimming and going on and off

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Wed 9 Mar 2016 09:35
Renualt Megane Scenic 53 plate, - lights dimming and going on and off - patterdalemum

Hi everyone,

Help desperately needed.

I have a megane scenic 53 plate. When I'm driving my headlights are dimming up and down, then going off altogether. I can see in the rear of the car in front what theyre doing.

There doesn't appear to be any noise assocuated with this happening and it's not affeecting my interior light or my indicators. The car does sound like it's engine is running high all the time though. Especially noticeable when I first start it up. Sometimes when I try to start it, it just makes a screeching sound but often starts ok on the 2nd or 3rd go. Don't know if this is related???

It's a push button start with electronic handbrake. Don't know if this makes any difference.

Don't want to sound girly, but i'm really worried. :(

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Wed 9 Mar 2016 09:48
Renualt Megane Scenic 53 plate, - lights dimming and going on and off - hardway

I'd take the "screeching" noise as a big clue to the alternator drive belt being worn out.

Head lights take a lot of current but interior lights just dont draw nearly as much so even on a flatish battery they wont show as much difference as the main beams.

Get a new alternator drive belt fitted.

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Wed 9 Mar 2016 09:51
Renualt Megane Scenic 53 plate, - lights dimming and going on and off - patterdalemum

tHANK

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Wed 9 Mar 2016 09:52
Renualt Megane Scenic 53 plate, - lights dimming and going on and off - patterdalemum

Oops!!

Thanks for the advice.

Any idea how much a new alternator belt would be? Is it an expensive job?

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Wed 9 Mar 2016 09:49
Renualt Megane Scenic 53 plate, - lights dimming and going on and off - elekie&a/c doctor
Could be the alternator or poly v drive belt slipping,or possibly the drive pulley on the alternator or crank pulley in trouble.sounds like the charge voltage is fluctuating .
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Thu 10 Mar 2016 12:13
Renualt Megane Scenic 53 plate, - lights dimming and going on and off - Cyd

Sounds like the auxillary belt is slipping - probably loose and/or worn out.

Have it checked and sorted asap - the battery is being discharged and it will go flat and leave you stranded if you delay.

Under £100 at a local independant garage. Double or triple that if it lets you down and you need a tow. Make it todays priority job.

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