I've got a decent size stereo system, two 600 rms amp and running a 5.0 farad cap. And I'm getting some pretty bad light diming at all rpms. I searched the forums but I'm finding to many different answers and not really any I'm looking for. What has been the best problem solver for the light diming? does increasing ground wire guage actually help that much or am I better off looking for a bigger alt? The car does a lot of sitting at idle to show off the system, I read something about bigger alt's not putting out the power at idle. So what's a better option then? Sorry if this is a repetitious post I just couldn't find any solid answers
The big 3 upgrade is always a good start, then after that worry about a new alternator. I just don't see how you can possibly be dimming that hard with that kind of power... What amps exactly are you running?
On the other hand....you have other fingers.
In my family we teach that boys have a God-stick and girls have a Shame Cave. -John Stewart
It's two pioneer prs-d1200m mono amps. They each power an apline 10" type R. I'm so confused though cause I ask around and some people say a cap doesn't stop the dimming and others say that's the main point of one is to stop the dimming. I don't know who's right.
No, a cap is not for curing dimming lights. And they hardly ever help it at all. Start with the big 3 upgrade with 1/0 gauge wire. After that, start looking into the bigger things like an alternator. I just still can't see how you are pulling enough amperage to dim your lights that badly.
On the other hand....you have other fingers.
In my family we teach that boys have a God-stick and girls have a Shame Cave. -John Stewart
I bet with the big 3 and removing the cap you'll have much better success with the lack of dimming.
Also, have youre alternator tested.
Its a free test they run, my system was going the same thing even with the big 3 upgrade. Then it started to do it even with the stereo off.
Turned out it was a bad alternator (I was lucky and had a spare)
Also, how old is the battery?
"A car just isn't a car without a little blood, sweat, and beers." -- Shadowfire
My dimming got better when I took my cap off. Optima Yellow Top helped me quite a bit too. But definitely do the Big 3 it really does help a ton. My wire from my alt to my battery came loose (!@#$ing ring terminals) and I instantly noticed a decrease in how loud it was without knowing that was the problem. So ya ill agree with everyone else. I dont think you would really need a bigger alt for only 1200w.
Idk if I would trust getting my alt tested.
Clicky. SMD link.
Ok so I'll definately look into the big three. I was going to go with the yellow top optima as a next step too since the battery is old ( stock one in an 03) I'll get the alternator checked too. Could this also cause the fact that it seems this winter haveing shorter days I noticed while driving to work in the dark that my headlights have gotten rediculously dim even with new bulbs? And actually removing the cap might help? running two amps though shouldn't I have a cap so I don't fry the battery?
No. You are misunderstanding what those capacitors are made for. They basically "charge" and allow a smoother power signal to your amps so they are not straining so hard during power surges such as heavier or louder or faster beats during your music. It is kind of back handed as they basically are there to provide a burst of power where your electrical system cannot keep up, but in turn they do strain your electrical system a bit. Everyone seems to think that a capacitor is there to help dimming issues, they are not.
So, I would like to reiterate that you should definitely do the big 3 upgrade, try running the system without the capacitor installed, and the new battery couldn't hurt at all. After that, worry about the alternator. I just still have the hardest time believing that those amps are draining that much power in your car compared to what I am running in my 1998 S-10 without any issues....
On the other hand....you have other fingers.
In my family we teach that boys have a God-stick and girls have a Shame Cave. -John Stewart
Ok I've always been kind of confued about the cap. I don't know a whole lot about audio systems. But I was told my system would need a cap. I wish I knew why the system pulled so hard on the power to make the lights dim. I know my friend's S10 has no diming problems and he has a pretty big system in it. Well I'll give that stuff a try and give an update on what helped the most in my situation. Thanks for the help.
No problem. Let us know how it works out for you. If I remember right, the alternator in my 1998 2.2L S-10 is just a little dinky thing and yours should have 20-50 amps over mine. So I just cannot believe the strain your system is putting on the electrical system. But at any rate, try those simple and relatively cheap solutions and let us know how it works out.
On the other hand....you have other fingers.
In my family we teach that boys have a God-stick and girls have a Shame Cave. -John Stewart
My car does the same thing when its really cold. The battery is slower to discharge and the electrons move slower when the wires and battery are cold. It gets better when it gets warmer.
Heather Thornley wrote:Ok so I'll definately look into the big three. I was going to go with the yellow top optima as a next step too since the battery is old ( stock one in an 03) I'll get the alternator checked too. Could this also cause the fact that it seems this winter haveing shorter days I noticed while driving to work in the dark that my headlights have gotten rediculously dim even with new bulbs? And actually removing the cap might help? running two amps though shouldn't I have a cap so I don't fry the battery?
as for your headlights seeming really dim, i realize this is gonna sound INCREDIBLY stupid, possibly even condescending;;make sure they'reclean(i dont just mean dirt, the lenses tend to get a haze over them that can make it seem like the lights arent even on) theres a kit you can get at any walmart for about 20 bucks that gets rid of that UGLY haze.
either that or you forgot to turn'em on and your just using your drl's
its really a shame that being stupid doesn't hurt more
add a second battery in the rear of the car. you'll be suprised how much it helps.... id use an optima yellow top....
01' Z24 5 speed
422whp/400wtq
T4 Turbocharged
Built LD9
HP Tuners
Most effective cure is to turn down the volume... but that's just not as fun
Publikdstrbnce wrote:add a second battery in the rear of the car. you'll be suprised how much it helps.... id use an optima yellow top....
Wouldnt you still need a bigger alt to charge a second battery?
not necessarily, you are storing twice as much power as the original charging system so as long as both of your batteries are not completely dead your alternator isnt working as hard to keep your front battery charged because your now using the power from the back battery....
01' Z24 5 speed
422whp/400wtq
T4 Turbocharged
Built LD9
HP Tuners
