why does the wattage on the illumination control panel fluctuate on my 2014 sonic

Asked by GenuineDawn Nov 22, 2014 at 11:59 AM about the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LS Hatchback FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I just bought a 2014 Chevy Sonic hatchback LS and love it. I did notice that occasionally
when driving, the wattage on the illumination control panel will suddenly increase and
become slightly brighter. Should I be concerned and take it to the dealer? Is this
explainable other than some electrical issue?
Thanks!

2 Answers

51,305

A couple of things to consider. If your engine is using a lot of power, the output from the alternator will go up. If the battery is low, it will increase to do a fast charge on it while keeping the demands of the vehicle in range. Another cause may be the diodes in the alternator are going bad and the regulator is not working correctly or over compensating and giving higher voltage surges. Have the alternator checked or the voltage regulator also checked. As long as your at it, have the battery also checked. Better to spend the money to test them, than sit on the side of a road waiting for a tow truck to the garage and then have to pay for the tests anyway.

2 people found this helpful.
30

It could be that the automatic headlights are changing which does change the instrument panel illumination as well.

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Francesco1960
    Reputation
    710
  • #2
    GuruHYPPZ
    Reputation
    670
  • #3
    Nana Tries
    Reputation
    450
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Cruze
66 Great Deals out of 1,052 listings starting at $1,695
Used Chevrolet Spark
29 Great Deals out of 503 listings starting at $3,977
Used Ford Focus
19 Great Deals out of 521 listings starting at $2,499
Used Toyota Corolla
146 Great Deals out of 2,444 listings starting at $3,900
Used Hyundai Elantra
158 Great Deals out of 4,210 listings starting at $100
Used Honda Accord
56 Great Deals out of 991 listings starting at $2,000
Used Honda Civic
200 Great Deals out of 4,053 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Camry
62 Great Deals out of 1,074 listings starting at $3,500
Used Chevrolet Malibu
59 Great Deals out of 1,090 listings starting at $1,495
Used Chevrolet Trax
40 Great Deals out of 1,911 listings starting at $3,900
Used Hyundai Accent
28 Great Deals out of 464 listings starting at $2,499
Used Kia Soul
33 Great Deals out of 996 listings starting at $2,000
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
11 Great Deals out of 891 listings starting at $12,900
Used Chevrolet Camaro
14 Great Deals out of 282 listings starting at $5,995
Used Chevrolet Colorado
32 Great Deals out of 1,585 listings starting at $5,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.