Headlights flickering when turning steering wheel

[Stinkyfinger]

Hi chaps

this is my first post on the ford forum. Please forgive me if I have placed it in the wrong section.

anyway, every time I turn the steering wheel, the head lights flicker. I’m unsure if the car has these super duper follow around a curve lights that some of the newer cars have. Or is there some sort of connection between the steering column and the lights. Any ideas where I should look would be greatly appreciated? This anomaly is seriously pulling my pisser, also I’ve just recently had to renew both the dip headlight bulbs☹️☹️. Not to cheerful, me being from north of the border and having the common problem of cobwebs holding the wallet tightly closed. Not sure if the flickering is causing the bulbs to fail.

[CALLUMLE]

The power steering system draws a lot of current which results in a noticeable drop in light intensity when moving at low speeds. I have a lot of hire cars with work and I don't think I've ever driven one which hasn't dimmed as I've been reversing onto the drive.

[Tekno]

Do you have LED bulbs fitted if so fit normal bulb and see if it cures its.

Normally the problem if the car had flickering lights

 

[Nick Y]

It sounds normal for a car with electronic power steering (EPS). My Mk7.5 Fiesta does it, especially when on full lock. As Callum said above, the PAS system draws a lot of power so does cause drain.

Do you only notice it at low speeds or when reversing when revs are low?

[Stinkyfinger]

I done a wee test last night and even at the likes of 40 kilometres per hour and waggling the steering wheel, the flickering was there. TBH, I haven’t noticed if it occurs when reversing. But also, I never knew it was electric steering, so as was mentioned in the posts, this might possibly be the cause. I’ll have a closer peek and see what transpires when I have to reverse out of the carport later on. I’ll be back.

[Stinkyfinger]

I done a wee test last night and even at the likes of 40 kilometres per hour and waggling the steering wheel, the flickering was there. TBH, I haven’t noticed if it occurs when reversing. But also, I never knew it was electric steering, so as was mentioned in the posts, this might possibly be the cause. I’ll have a closer peek and see what transpires when I have to reverse out of the carport later on. I’ll be back.

[Stinkyfinger]

Done the test thing last night, and no, the lights don’t flicker when I’m travelling in reverse, it’s only when going forward. Oh, and I do not have LED Bulbs. The more I think about it, the more I think your suggestions that it’s the electric steering which is the cause. So I’m a big bit more relieved that it’s nowt more serious.

many thanks for the input lads. No doubt there’ll be other issues that need some explanation in the future.