make it less harsh on alternator, battery

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=112965
Printed Date: July 05, 2025 at 7:55 PM

Topic: make it less harsh on alternator, battery

Posted By: whitemike0110
Subject: make it less harsh on alternator, battery
Date Posted: April 07, 2009 at 1:38 AM

Is there anything i can do that will make it less harsh on my alternator and battery. Like what will a capacitor help, is it worth it to get one. I know i sould probably get a yellowtop but if i dont right now what are some tips i guess i could do...thanks

Replies:

Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: April 07, 2009 at 2:45 AM

Yes, turn the volume down.

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: April 07, 2009 at 5:23 AM

Pull the fuse to the amp.

The strain an amp adds to an alternator is directly related to the current draw of the ratio to the available current created by the alternator.

If you add an amp that requires 100A and your alternator is only rated at 120A you are going to have problems. If your amp requires 100A and you upgraded your alternator to a 350A version then obviously the alternator won't be stressed passed its capacity.

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Kevin Pierson

Posted By: kassdog
Date Posted: April 08, 2009 at 8:04 AM

Upgrade your altenator before you get a cap.

Posted By: MikeHusain
Date Posted: April 08, 2009 at 12:26 PM

I have had bad experiences with yellow top batteries. I think they are good if used as a second battery. One yellow top for starting and another for audio system. I currently have a yellow top just for starting and it does not hold up very well. If the car sits for 3 days, it will not start. I have a very little amperage draw when car is not started and at rest. Not sure what the deal is.

Posted By: bwhvac065@aol.c
Date Posted: April 09, 2009 at 1:05 AM

i have the same issue with my yellow top for starting too

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Blazerspl
6 rockford 12s
5500 watt pa amp
12.0 cubic enclosure
BIG 3

Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: April 09, 2009 at 10:11 PM

bwhvac065@aol.c wrote:

i have the same issue with my yellow top for starting too

The optima batteries in general, are over rated. And the yellow top is a deep cycle, not an ideal "start up" battery.

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