so my Z is really puzzling me right now. with the headlights turned off, the car runs beautiful. when i turn the lights on, it runs like crap. it feels as if the car has barely 90 horses and the cruise control doesnt work. but it still runs smooth and idles correctly. its not throwin any codes either. but all i have to do is turn the headlights off and the car is back to normal! wtf?!
i have an appointment with NISSAN on tuesday but any ideas from anyone? i mean its an instant thing...as soon as i click those headlights over...done...the cars gutless.

 

voltage regulator going bad? do lights dim?

 

Go to autozone first, and have the check your voltage across your battery when the car is off an running. Running, the alternator should be charging at 14.1 volts, which should stay fairly constant.

As Sean pointed out, it sounds like your voltage regulator is f*****, but you also can't rule out another electric problem. My guess is that your alternator is not putting out enough voltage, and the heavy drain from your HIDs is causing you to get a weak spark to the plugs.

If I were you, I wouldn't turn my lights on anymore. The last time my voltage regulator went in my last car, it blew 3 sets of headlight bulbs before I took a voltmeter and found out what the problem was.

 

alright thanks alot guys but no the lights dont dim. and also...ive got a system and it wont act up with that turned up

 

i agree...it does sound like an electrical problem