Headlights flickering
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=82507
Printed Date: May 06, 2024 at 4:33 AM
Topic: Headlights flickering
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Subject: Headlights flickering
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 12:34 PM
Hey, about a year ago i noticed my head lights would flicker when i would turn the system up because it needed more juice, and i understand that. Now they even flicker regardless of the volume. I took the car in and they said the stock battery and alternator, about 6 months old, are fine. So do I need the big three upgrade, a capacitor, or something else? BTW: i am drawing about 550 wrms from an alpine mrd-m501. thanks in advance for your answers. -gary ------------- Volkswagen Golf
Alpine CDA-9851
Alpine MRD-M501
Alpine 12" Type R Ported
Alpine Guy is my hero
Replies:
Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 12:38 PM
I would at least START with "the big 3" Whats the output of a stock VW alt. -------------
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 4:16 PM
I am pretty sure its 90 amps. The car is going in to get serviced on thursday, so how much would it cost for them to upgrade the wiring? Any other suggestions? thanks ------------- Volkswagen Golf
Alpine CDA-9851
Alpine MRD-M501
Alpine 12" Type R Ported
Alpine Guy is my hero
Posted By: supradude
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 5:16 PM
Forget the cap, just try the big 3. Look at the info on the forum, you might be able to do it yourself.
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'85 Toy
Posted By: jettagli03
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 6:09 PM
90 amps if its got A/C
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Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 6:35 PM
It has A/C, 1999.5 golf (MK IV) if it matters.
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Volkswagen Golf
Alpine CDA-9851
Alpine MRD-M501
Alpine 12" Type R Ported
Alpine Guy is my hero
Posted By: jettagli03
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 6:48 PM
its 90 amps. 100% positive. the VR6 got lucky with a 120amp but thats not available with a Golf, only the GTI (R32 3.2L VR6 included), Jetta and Passat were lucky enough to be able to get a 6 cylinder.
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Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: September 05, 2006 at 9:59 PM
bump
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Volkswagen Golf
Alpine CDA-9851
Alpine MRD-M501
Alpine 12" Type R Ported
Alpine Guy is my hero
Posted By: Mad Scientists
Date Posted: September 06, 2006 at 4:35 PM
If the headlights are flickering even with the volume down, you should check the voltage at the battery, at the alternator, and at the headlights... you might have other problems. If you know how to do voltage drop readings you can determine if you need to do the 'big 3' or not. Jim
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: September 18, 2006 at 9:24 PM
nouseforaname wrote:
all you need is a cap. KIDDING!! i actualy had that same problem with a car i used to own. the alternator "checked out" fine, but in fact the alternator ended up being bad. the voltage regulator was going bad causing power surges, thus making the lights flicker. as mentioned earlier, upgrade the big 3 first. it can't hurt anything if done right and will definately help out. next, i'd check on a good HO alternator.
Yeh, my car does seem to have weird power surges. Had a 6 hour drive last night back to school and the headlights would flicker at times, and at other times be fine. But it seems that I need the big three upgrade. After that, if nothing changes, would a h.o. alternator or optima yellow top battery( or any other strong battery) be better? thanks ------------- Volkswagen Golf
Alpine CDA-9851
Alpine MRD-M501
Alpine 12" Type R Ported
Alpine Guy is my hero
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