Chevy Cruze Headlight issue

[gml1998]

I thought I would ask here about a problem I am having our Chevy Cruze.
There seems to be much more knowledge here versus the
Cruze forums.
A few months ago I noticed the headlights started flickering. That is the best way I can describe it, they don't go completely out. Bright to dim in a pulsing manner. It is intermittent.I have not been able to determine if it happens during the day with the daytime running lights. I did notice,that if turned on, the dome light will also pulse in time with the headlights.I have not noticed it on the dash or radio display.
I have also noticed that the volt gauge reading seems to be erratic.I have seen it range from 12.1 volts to 15.3 volts. This may or may not be normal as I have read that the charging systems on newer cars are tied in to the computer and are more reactive. The volt readings do not appear to be in sync with the pulsing lights. ( headlight may be bright with volts reading lower or vice versa) When occurring they pulse at about 1 second interval. It is very noticeable, we have had other car flash their brights at us, and when coming up behind a car we have had a few pull over to the side or the road.
I did talk to the local Chevy service manager, he ran the vin and checked for service bulletins,none were found.
I have checked the charging system, and have checked for loose or corroded grounds. all the Grounds I could find were OK.
I hesitate to take it in to the dealer , due to its intermittent nature I am pretty sure I will end up paying 100.00 for a no problem found diagnosis.

This is a 2012 Cruze with 78000 miles, with no previous electrical issues.

Sorry for the long read, any insight would be appreciated.

[GretchenGotGrowl]

Originally Posted by gml1998

I thought I would ask here about a problem I am having our Chevy Cruze.
There seems to be much more knowledge here versus the
Cruze forums.
A few months ago I noticed the headlights started flickering. That is the best way I can describe it, they don't go completely out. Bright to dim in a pulsing manner. It is intermittent.I have not been able to determine if it happens during the day with the daytime running lights. I did notice,that if turned on, the dome light will also pulse in time with the headlights.I have not noticed it on the dash or radio display.
I have also noticed that the volt gauge reading seems to be erratic.I have seen it range from 12.1 volts to 15.3 volts. This may or may not be normal as I have read that the charging systems on newer cars are tied in to the computer and are more reactive. The volt readings do not appear to be in sync with the pulsing lights. ( headlight may be bright with volts reading lower or vice versa) When occurring they pulse at about 1 second interval. It is very noticeable, we have had other car flash their brights at us, and when coming up behind a car we have had a few pull over to the side or the road.
I did talk to the local Chevy service manager, he ran the vin and checked for service bulletins,none were found.
I have checked the charging system, and have checked for loose or corroded grounds. all the Grounds I could find were OK.
I hesitate to take it in to the dealer , due to its intermittent nature I am pretty sure I will end up paying 100.00 for a no problem found diagnosis.

This is a 2012 Cruze with 78000 miles, with no previous electrical issues.

Sorry for the long read, any insight would be appreciated.

I haven't heard of this before, but I would check the ambient light sensor. You may have a loose connection. You should be able to put some black electrical tape over it and the lights should stay on even in the daylight. Do this while parked with the engine running. If they don't flicker then take it for a drive. If they flicker then then you have a loose connection and I would start by taking the sensor out.

[gml1998]

I will look into this.
I did find a youtube video of a Cruze owner with the same issue. The comments below the video stated that he had the computer replaced and it fixed the problem. But it didn't say which computer.

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Hey gml1998,

If you do decide to head into the dealership, please let us know! We're more than happy to get to the bottom of this for you.

Marissa
Chevrolet Customer Care