If i were to install a second battery in my car would i need to install a second alternator?

Question

I have a 2000 Ford Taurus and would like to install an amp and sub along with a 7inch screen for the front and a small shuttle like computer in the back. If i were to install a second battery in my car would i also need another alternator or can i just use the one alternator for both batteries and be fine?

Answer 1

Before I put in another battery I would look at putting in a higher output alternator

Answer 2

another battery will basically act like a capacitor. it will just smoothe out the power delivery. if youre only going to be running everything full blast every once in a while, the dual battery setup should be fine without changing your alternator setup, just make sure to wire them in parallel (positive to positive and negative to negative). if youre going to be running it all of the time, you might look at just a higher output alternato rather than an additional one. especially on new cars, it could be a pain in the neck to get another bracket and re-route the belt to spin it. older car would be a little easier, but not much. but unless youre running a huge amp or 3 or 4 smaller ones, a single battery and stock or maybe replacement alternator should be fine. if youre worried about the headlights dimming when the bass hits, just get a capacitor.

Answer 3

Not a second alternator, you could use one but I would recommend an alternator that puts out a higher amp. Find out what amperage your present alternator is putting out and if I understand you correctly you'll need at minimum of 135amps to run your extras and keep things running smoothly. This will also depend on the size of the amplifier your going to install.

Answer 4

I know I have a 2002 Ford Turbo Diesel pickup truck and it came with 2 batteries in it, but I never checked to see if it had more than one alternator. I'd probably look into Papa John's idea of a higher output alternator, which my pickup probably has over your Taurus, first. But since I'm not a mechanic AT ALL, I'd find a reliable one and ask him. But maybe Papa John IS a reliable mechanic, so, . . .. God Bless you.

Answer 5

A second battery can be installed in parallel by hooking positive to positive and negative to negativ battery terminals. Nothing needs to be changed. You still have 12 volts but you have increased the storage capacity. Your alternator will do fine it will just take a little longer to charge completely.

Answer 6

Tell ya what...give it a try and tell me how you mounted it.. Never heard ofa second alternator or even a block that has a mount for a second or a bracket to put asecond on. Or any belts that are big enough. You wouldnt need it though most of the time.. Maybe get a beefier one, but in all reality youd just be making the charge time alittle lower.

Answer 7

I would just get a good quality battery and a high amperage alternator. It would be difficult to find a belt to fit the second alternator.

Answer 8

Try looking for a high output alternator.
Then if you want a second battery still then you should really check into getitng a higher amperage battery.

Answer 9

buy a one farret capacitor and an optima red top battery and your lights wont dim any more. a 400 want amp isnt enough to warrent running duel batteries just get a good battery, factory batteries or canadian tire Crap just wont hold up . i am running 3, 1000 watt pdx 1.1 alpine amps and 6 12" alpine type R subs and i am running dual batteries and one cap per amp and my lights barely dim a good battery is the key to good sounding systems

Answer 10

It is not safe to add a second battery but if you were to add a second battery but yes you would need to install a second anlternater