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headlights dimming

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=75175
Printed Date: June 11, 2024 at 11:26 PM


Topic: headlights dimming

Posted By: eljay8619
Subject: headlights dimming
Date Posted: March 27, 2006 at 9:10 AM

when i play my system at night my headlights dim for some reason....my car is a 1994 honda civic lx and my sytstem is composed of 750 watt sony explode and 2 12" pioneers.....i have been reading about alternators and capacitors...my alternator output is 60 amps.....is this suffient to cover my set? and could a capacitor and battery upgrade fix my probelm?




Replies:

Posted By: Aruman
Date Posted: March 27, 2006 at 9:16 AM
capacitors is more load for your alternator, check a good battery like an optima yellow top or kinetik battery and see what happen. and what's the ampere rating of your sony amp?




Posted By: Xavier2k20
Date Posted: March 27, 2006 at 9:20 AM

I have a 95 civic ex. I had a 500d memphis connected to my car. About 2-3 months after i  put my sounds in my alternator blew. I fixed the alt and bought a 1 farad cap and my lights still dimmed alittle but was still able to play my sounds for as long as i want. I suggest buy a cap for now if you want to save your alt. Buy a higher amped alternator later cause 60 amps is what i had on my last 2 cars and both blew alternators. I think that will run you like $150. And if you want to play your sounds when the car is off, buy a optima battery 



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Xavier2k20




Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: March 27, 2006 at 10:24 AM

You are trying to draw more power from your alternator than it can produce in total. A capacitor will do nothing other than send power to the amp slightly faster "WHEN ITS CHARGED", but it wont be charged unless your alternator is able to provide enough power, so its basically just a large resistor in line in that scenario.  The alternator is what runs your electrical components and needs to be able to power everything otherwise you start drawing power from the battery. The battery is only designed to be in your car so you can start it and keep the clock going.  You need to get yourself a larger alternator in the 100 + amps range, it will cost you around $300, but very worth it.   Check out this guys auctions, he makes excellent alternators. 

https://stores.ebay.com/Iraggi-Alternator-and-Electronics/Warranty-Information.html

Also stop by your news stand and pick up this months issue of "Car Audio and Electronics" theres a great article on charging systems written by Derek Lee at Mobile Dynamics.



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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.




Posted By: eljay8619
Date Posted: March 27, 2006 at 4:09 PM
yo thanks for the info....i think i'll just go with getting a more powerful alternator.....i must say u guys are very helpful...thanx again




Posted By: eljay8619
Date Posted: March 27, 2006 at 5:14 PM
ummm i got another question....what would be the right size alternator for my set.....its 750 watts?




Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: March 27, 2006 at 6:56 PM
I'd go for something hot rated (not cold) at 100 amps or more.

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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.





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