Starting car with headlights on - ok or not?

[zlcrazy]

Hi all

My BA2 XR6 Turbo has auto headlights. Obviously if its set to auto the lights come on as soon as I turn the key to on if its parked in my garage. The question is does this hurt the battery by starting the engine with the headlights on?

Lots of cars do this yes but does it have much effect on the battery or not?

Any info would be much appreciated

[irish2]

It isn't really a problem until your battery is on its' last legs. Then you will get a nice little click noise instead of a slow crank.

[Mechan1k]

That .. and that fact that the globes flick on ... off and back on again while cranking.
That sort of current change through the globes can't be good for longevity for them.

[LyleXR8]

My 05 Vz SS has still got original globes in it and headlights stay on auto

[Ben73]

Ranger headlights delay a few seconds before coming on. So I turn it to ON parking lights come on while I wait for Glowplug light to go off, then I turn it to start. Lights then come on once car is started. Good setup for the auto lights.

[mik]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

That .. and that fact that the globes flick on ... off and back on again while cranking.
That sort of current change through the globes can't be good for longevity for them.

i think along the same lines too, and ive always thought ...... rightly or wrongly that having fluctuating power to electronics even momentarily while cranking, (ecu, various modules,etc) it may be not good for longevity of these items.

[RealChampionSup]

Our Ba had the head light auto on with the ignition, (telstra standard fitment), used to blow highlights all the time. Found the wire and cut it, don't blow anymore (other then you would expect)