I didn't notice it before, but I did now... Basically, the lights would dim when AC or automatic climate is on. Also, when automatic climate is on (no A/C) I hear some knocking sounds every 20 seconds or so. It's especially noticeable when idling. Anyone?

 

Most cars do this, the extra load imposed on the alternator/ generator by the air con/climate control is the cause of your lights dimming, if you increase the engine revs slightly the lights should get brighter. The clicking noise will be coming from the compressor from the air con/ climate controlsystem. This is normal and should be nothing to worry about.
Ron

 

Thanks Ron! I am a little disappointed because our other car (08 Sentra) doesn't have this issue. At least I cannot hear the "knocking" sound while idling at the light. Although, I think it's a different subject though with Outlander interior noise isolation in comparison to Sentra...