Expert: Robert Summers - 12/4/2008

Question
I have a 2000 Chevy malibu and whenever the temp outside drops to 45 or lower I am having a problem with the light. When you hit the brakes within the first five minutes of starting the car all of the lights will dim. If you hold on the brakes for about 30 seconds the ABS light will come on. I restart the car the ABS light goes out. If I let the car warm up for five minutes it does not due this. The battery and the altanator are putting out fine. They are both less than a year old. I have had the computer tested after the ABS light can on then went out and nothing show up. What might be the problem???

Answer
Hi Brandon...When it does this do you have lots of things running...IE: heater, radio etc. . it maybe that you have too much load after first starting engine...test the battery with a load tester...make sure connections to the battery are good and clean, make sure connections at the alt are also good and clean....load test the alt and see if it's output is ok... should be at least 14.1 volts. with out a load...any less than that replace it...hope this helps