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electrical system failing


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rppngears 
Member - Posts: 10
Member spacespace
Joined: September 09, 2005
Location: United States
Posted: April 17, 2007 at 4:25 PM / IP Logged  

Hi, I have a 2004 Mazda Rx-8 with a JL Audio 1000/1 and a 12W7 that I've been running for almost 3 years.  Up until now, I've had no problems with my electrical system supporting this.  I am running an upgraded Optima Yellow top, but stock alternator.  Lately I've been having some problems.  My dash lights have been dimming significantly whenever the bass hits with the volume only moderately up, about half of where I usually listen to it.  I can usually blast it without much dimming.  Also, my LM-1, which is an Air/Fuel analyzer keeps giving a low battery signal and reboots.  My car also drives funny, kind of jerky, when I crank up the volume. 

So obviously something is failing, but I don't know how to tell if its my battery or alternator.  I measured my alternator voltage the other day.  With the car idling its around 13.7v.  With all accessories on its around 13.5v.  Seems a little low, but is this low enough to indicate a bad alternator?

Thanks,

Ryan

aznboi3644 
Gold - Posts: 2,600
Gold spaceThis member consistently provides reliable informationspace
Joined: May 01, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: April 17, 2007 at 4:36 PM / IP Logged  
1000/1 is a pretty power hungry amp.
Well my guess is that your alternator has been fighting a losing battle for the past 3 years and its finally tired.
Have your battery tested and uprgade your big three and prolly a new high output alternator
Mad Scientists 
Silver - Posts: 380
Silver spacespace
Joined: February 07, 2004
Location: United States
Posted: April 18, 2007 at 8:51 AM / IP Logged  

My suggestion would be to measure voltages to verify where the problem is.. it could be something as simple as a bad connection. Check alternator output while under load, check to make sure the battery is still good, measure voltage drops and see what you find.

Jim

austincustoms 
Copper - Posts: 232
Copper spacespace
Joined: November 15, 2005
Location: United States
Posted: April 21, 2007 at 11:29 AM / IP Logged  
Upgrade the big 3, run a load test on your battery, and have your alternator tested. I'm 90% sure this will single out your problem. I agree with aznboi3644, your alternator has been pushing as hard as it can for 3 years, and its finally worn out.
jmelton86 
Gold - Posts: 1,228
Gold spacespace
Joined: February 07, 2007
Location: South Carolina, United States
Posted: May 09, 2007 at 5:07 AM / IP Logged  
You could have just vibrated some connection loose over time. But like the other dudes' said; load test the batt., do the Big 3, then see what happens.
2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator
DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)
Big3 in 1/0G
1/0G to GTO14001
forbidden 
Platinum - Posts: 5,352
Platinum spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: November 01, 2003
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posted: May 09, 2007 at 6:08 AM / IP Logged  
The Mazda RX8 also has a very very very crappy ground return. Read the what is a proper ground sticky on this forum for more info. The ground on this car is pitiful I hate to say, one of the worst offenders I have ever come across.
Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.
jmelton86 
Gold - Posts: 1,228
Gold spacespace
Joined: February 07, 2007
Location: South Carolina, United States
Posted: May 09, 2007 at 6:24 PM / IP Logged  
That's odd how this recently started happening.
2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator
DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)
Big3 in 1/0G
1/0G to GTO14001

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