dimming lights resolution
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=107910
Printed Date: April 29, 2024 at 11:27 AM
Topic: dimming lights resolution
Posted By: dm2008
Subject: dimming lights resolution
Date Posted: October 03, 2008 at 7:44 PM
I have 2 12's Kenwoods in the trunk that are running 450rms, they are wired to 2 ohms and my 1800 kenwood is giving out 900 rms. I also have a 4 chanel cobalt, thats 600 max but i believe its running 75 x 4 (dont quote me). I have 4 gauge wire running to the back seats and then i have a distribution block that has (1) 4 gauge input and im taking out (2) 8 gauge outputs for the amps. I also have separate 4 gauge grounds for the amps. (I do have a 2 farad cap but i didnt put it in yet, and from what ive heard i shouldnt bother doing it)
The problem is that when i push the system, and the bass kicks, the light dim drastically.
I just want to know what can i do to fix the problem, without putting a second battery. I did not change the Big 3 yet, and its a stock alternator(1997 stratus)
Anyone's opinion is appreciated.
Replies:
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: October 03, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Upgrade the big 3 and the alternator. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: dm2008
Date Posted: October 04, 2008 at 8:53 AM
If i was to change the alternator, would i also need to replace all the car's wiring too?
Also how much would a decent alternator cost and how hard is it to install.(i dont want to get ripped of by an installer)
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: October 04, 2008 at 10:49 AM
When you upgrade the alternator you need to also upgrade the big 3. There is no need to change any of the wring in the car. What makes you think you will be ripped off by an installer? Go to a reputable shop and you won't be. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: dm2008
Date Posted: October 04, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Would a 200a alternator be enough?
And how much would it cost approximatly?
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: October 04, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Depending on your vehicle and what brand you get, for 200 amps expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the alternator, plus installation. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: bumpinexploder
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 4:50 PM
you can get a 200 amp off ebay for around 200-250 and install at local shop is around 75-150 to install including the big 3. cheaper if you do it at the same time. also only pushing a little over 1000 watts you might just need 2 optimas or 1 extra kinetik 2400. (awesome battery and will run your system all day no matter what anyone says with only 1000rms) lol. but dont over due your electrical unless your lookin to upgrade your gear later also.
-------------
Pioneer DEH-400UB
Kicker 150.2 mids/highs amp
MB Quart fsa 216 front stage
AudioPipe gd-6001 mono amp
AUDIOQUE SD 15S PREFAB BOX!
C&D Technologies Battery, 1500 CCA, 134 amp storage
149.5 DB's
Posted By: audiocableguy
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 6:11 PM
I do not agree with adding an additional battery for what he has.
Posted By: bumpinexploder
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 6:14 PM
well it really depends on hopw big his alternator is. if its like 100 amps or bigger he should be fine but anything under yes a bigger alt and the big 3 would be of need. i had a 94 explorer and a 95 amp alt. with 2 red tops and it did fine on about 1000 rms. ------------- Pioneer DEH-400UB
Kicker 150.2 mids/highs amp
MB Quart fsa 216 front stage
AudioPipe gd-6001 mono amp
AUDIOQUE SD 15S PREFAB BOX!
C&D Technologies Battery, 1500 CCA, 134 amp storage
149.5 DB's
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 6:19 PM
If you build the electrical system properly, extra batteries are never needed unless you plan to run the system with the engine off. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: bumpinexploder
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 6:27 PM
what do you mean build? like buy a HO alt? and big 3? i have 2 batterys on a stock alt and it helped tremendously. now i dont need a HO alt.
-------------
Pioneer DEH-400UB
Kicker 150.2 mids/highs amp
MB Quart fsa 216 front stage
AudioPipe gd-6001 mono amp
AUDIOQUE SD 15S PREFAB BOX!
C&D Technologies Battery, 1500 CCA, 134 amp storage
149.5 DB's
Posted By: whiterob
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 8:31 PM
bumpinexploder wrote:
what do you mean build? like buy a HO alt? and big 3? i have 2 batterys on a stock alt and it helped tremendously. now i dont need a HO alt.
He means that if you have a big enough alternator and have done the big 3 you will not need an additional battery.
The alternator is the source of the electrical power when the car is on. Adding an additional battery will only put more of a strain on your alternator. If your alternator can keep up with this demand then that is fine but if it can't you will have worse issues then you did before you added a second battery.
I'm not saying a second battery didn't help you but in most cases it can actually hurt if your alternator is not big enough. If your alternator is big enough then you won't even need one.
Posted By: bumpinexploder
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 8:51 PM
yes thats true but i guess it didnt hurt my alt at all cuz neither battery is fighting for the charge but it depends on your alt i guess
-------------
Pioneer DEH-400UB
Kicker 150.2 mids/highs amp
MB Quart fsa 216 front stage
AudioPipe gd-6001 mono amp
AUDIOQUE SD 15S PREFAB BOX!
C&D Technologies Battery, 1500 CCA, 134 amp storage
149.5 DB's
Posted By: audiocableguy
Date Posted: October 06, 2008 at 10:09 PM
What will happen is:
Alt will overheat and toast the bearings. Complete failure or fire.
Diode(s) will fail. AC volt leak and reduced output. Failure.
Damage to the Regulator. Computer is paper weight.
Greatly reduced service life of Alt and batteries.
A second battery is not the answer. Flat out, You need to make energy, not store energy.
"cuz neither battery is fighting for the charge". You know this to be fact? Possible you are undercharging both? Time will hold the answer, just cause you were lucky today or tomorrow doesn't mean failure isn't on it's way.
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