lights dimming and not the alternator?
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=48272
Printed Date: July 19, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Topic: lights dimming and not the alternator?
Posted By: bullman96
Subject: lights dimming and not the alternator?
Date Posted: January 21, 2005 at 6:48 PM
my trucks lights dim from the beat of my mid amp, gotta love a inefficient class a/b, but i have 14-15 volts when driving and the lowest it will get is 13 when i have been parked for a while. my question is, how big of a difference will a deep cycle batt make? i have been using regular batts because i get them for almost nothing but have been having to replace them because they wont keep their charge. im cheap so i wait until i have to turn my stereo off when i start slowing down before pulling into the driveway/parking lot and rev the engine for a bit so the truck will start in the morning. i also live in vermont so the cold makes it hard anyways
Replies:
Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: January 21, 2005 at 7:38 PM
Get the battery and alt load tested. The alt can put out 14 volts, ,but not the amperage it should, , thats how my past alts have died, the voltage stayed up, but the amperage output declined.
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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: jettagli03
Date Posted: January 21, 2005 at 8:49 PM
get a capacitor buddy  -------------
Posted By: supradude
Date Posted: January 21, 2005 at 9:09 PM
Sounds like you do have either a battery or alternator problem. As far as adding a cap, I wouldn't. They don't help with the problem you are having. They are a waste of money in my opinion.
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'85 Toy
Posted By: wheelerdr
Date Posted: January 22, 2005 at 12:46 AM
If you need a new battery I would go with a deep cycle battery, (yellow top). much better and will handle the deep discharges, you could also consider the big 3. and ensure all connections are clean and tight
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Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: January 22, 2005 at 10:16 AM
No, a capacitor will NOT help. If you have measured your voltage and it is not dipping but the lights dim, then where are you measuring the voltage? Are you reading the voltmeter in the vehicle? That won't tell you the whole story. Use a DMM and test the voltage at the battery, at the amplifier, at the headlights, etc. and let me know how it changes. If the lights dim, the voltage must be dropping..... ------------- Support the12volt.com
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