ok so i only have a jl 300/4(75x4rms) and an infinty basslink(200rms) and i can't tell which is causing the dimming. when i disconnect the basslink i still get dimming, when i disconnect the jl i still get the dimming, BUT!!! it dims slightly when at idle and it doesn't when i'm driving. since this is a very small dim i think a cap would do, but where do i put the cap? before the jl or before the basslink, since they both cause the dimming? or would an optima battery take care of it? or an higher output alt? if the alt, where can i get one for my '06 Nissan Xterra. I've looked but have not found any.
2007-03-20 10:58:14 · 13 answers · asked by Leo R 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
There are two things that can help your situation. Since it only dims when idle your alternator should be providing enough power. A bigger battery would help. doesn't have to be optima. if say you have a 400cca bump it up to 550cca. a stiffening capacitor will only slightly improve the situation. It sould be placed on the amp running you bass driver (subwoofer). Some poeple think they know! Capacitor only supplys when the power need is greater than the power used. hence only subwoofers suck enough power to operate the capacitor. Running two amps on one cap may lead to burning of one due to the uneeded power being supplied!
2007-03-20 11:07:12 · answer #1 · answered by Keith B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You definitely need a capacitor. You do NOT need a new alternator. An Optima battery wouldnt hurt, but is not necessary. The reason that it doesnt dim when you are driving is because your alternator is charging more because it is spinning faster. I dont know why some people cant seem to grasp this concept. A two farad capacitor should do the trick. You ideally want to place it as close to the amp as possible, but a few feet is acceptable. You put it on the battery side of the amp, with a fuse between the capacitor and battery.
2007-03-20 14:50:33 · answer #2 · answered by caucasion_rat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah a cap will help it. The following suggestion is assuming that you have hooked up the power lead for both amps directly to the + side of the battery.
Attach the cap with a large cable to the plus side of the battery, and then attach both of the amp power leads to the other side of the cap.
This will get rid of your dimming issue.
FYI, the reason your car does it at idle and not at higher speeds is because the alternator is spinning slower therefore putting out less amperage. Putting in a new alternator will not help as the speed (rpm) of the alternator will not change. Higher output alternators actually have a tendency to put out the same or less amperage at low rpms due to their design. This is why generators and idling diesel trucks throttle up when they need more electrical power.
2007-03-20 11:03:26 · answer #3 · answered by Doug K 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just like everyone here said, check your alternator.
It happened on my T-bird and a change of alternator helped. And just to avoid the hassle of having my system drain my alt. I bought a cap. It helps a whole lot. I know some people don't think much of them, but trust me IT helps if you have a blastin' system. They are all that expensive either. You can find one from $100 and up (depending on how many Farads you want it).
2007-03-20 13:06:23 · answer #4 · answered by hug q4h prn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's dimming at idle and not at speed you need to get your alternator checked ASAP. A cap...waste of time...will only help...slightly...it's a stop gap waste of money. I know, I know...Unique Whips and Pimp My Ride uses 'em. But remember they make $$$ of off selling stuff to rich stars.
As for higher output alternator...do search on web. You may need to have yours rebuilt.
Optima...don't bother...go Kinetik all the way. More durable and more amps per size...FYI battery will only help while your parked. Your system runs off of your alternator while driving.
2007-03-20 11:17:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using poor/too thin of wire to connect an amp can cause this. I had 6 gauge wire on my amp and it would do this, I switched to 4 gauge and it was better.
Best recommendation is run as few electrical things in the car as possible, check your wire gauge and if necessary go heavier. Still trouble then add the capacitor.
2007-03-20 15:12:37 · answer #6 · answered by Matt M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to have a higher output alternater installed !! if your components were installed professionally they forgot to mention that once everything is installed it would cause a power drain on your system, by installing a higher output alternater it compensates for the the additional draw from the battery and system which in turn will illiminate the lights going dim.
2007-03-20 11:07:36 · answer #7 · answered by mac227@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your pulling too plenty potential removed from the battery to your sound gadget, and in certainty depriving the motor vehicle of the potential from the battery it desires to run. So, you could desire to get a bigger battery to your automobile, or extremely of drawing potential out of your autos battery, you could setting up one extra battery in basic terms to your gadget. :]
2016-11-27 01:26:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOUR CAR BATTERY IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO POWER YOUR CAR AND THE SOUNDS. BE AWARE YOUR BATTERY MIGHT DIE SOON AND THEN YOULL BE STUCK. SO RE CHARGE YOUR BATTERY AND GET AN EXTRA ONE FOR YOUR SOUNDS.
2007-03-20 17:58:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is most definitly the alternator, check google.com or yahoo.com for "performance alternator" or sumthin
2007-03-20 11:01:25 · answer #10 · answered by zyrinepyro 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋