Lights Dim When Starting Engine

[flanker271]

Hello,

I just had my alternator replaced with a new (not remanufactured) Toyota Tundra 100 amp alternator 1 week ago, and the battery was replaced also with a True Start battery. The Toyota technicians made sure that everything was charging properly, and there are no drain on the battery when the car is off. They also cleaned the rust spots on the wires. With that being said, here is the problem:

Last night when I got into my LS, I started it up without first closing the driverside door. As soon as I crank the engine, the interior dome light dimmed to very low, then as soon as the engine started the light got back to normal brightness. Similarily, my headlights dims when I start the engine. From what I learned from this forum, the lights shouldn't dim at all right? I was just wondering if my battery is low again.

[SW03ES]

Well that depends on how dark it dims. Some dimming is normal as the starter is creating a need that is drawn from other active electrical components.

[flanker271]

The headlights' dim was noticably small, but the dome light almost completely went out while cranking the engine.

[VMF]

but your car started right away and starter rotated engine with the normal speed?

[flanker271]

It started up in 1 second

[OldSkool]

A bushing in or on your starter might be worn out a little and binding the starter up slightly therefore creating more draw.

[VBdenny]

It doesn't sound abnormal to me. Starters draw a whole lot of current so the lightsare going to dim a little. You usually don't notice it because the light is usally off.

[SKperformance]

I agree if the lights dim it is normal

but usually caused by a low CCA on a battery or bad wires to the starter and battery.

I changed both of mine and WOW what a difference, i start faster and my starter even has a different sound from turnig over faster.