Ok... here's the deal.... a few months ago I was driving when all of the sudden, my car's electrical went bananas!
I have the following sound/video components in my car:
1- Alpine IVA-D310 receiver
2- Alpine CHA-S634 6-CD changer
3- Alpine MRP-F450 70wX4 amplifier
4- Bazooka BTA-10200 200 watt powered Subwoofer
5- Infinity Kappa 692.7i 6X9 front door speakers
6- Boston Acoustics SX60 6-1/2" X 6-3/4" rear door speakers
7- Clarion 7" head rest monitors (2)
While driving, I had my AC on, my radio blasting, all 3 video monitors on and two 24" neon light tubes under my seats... to make a long story short, my car shut off and wouldn't turn back on. Even after a jump from another car, I had to shut everything off otherwise my car would stall. After that, I bought a new battery and don't want have to go through that again. I was told to get a Capacitor for my system and maybe a second battery. Any suggestion?? I have a 2003 Mazda Protege 5.
2007-04-02 09:47:33 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
Extra batteries and/or caps will make your problem WORSE.
Caps do not do what they are advertised to. They actually don't make any difference UNLESS you have upgraded your alt. Caps and/or batteries will pull MORE power from your factory alt., causing it to overload and go out. I've seen it happen.
Do the Big3 Upgrade (power -charge- wire from alternator straight to batt., ground wire from batt. straight to frame, and ground from frame (same place preferably) to engine block) all in 4g or bigger wire. This will provide the instantaneous power to your batt. from alt.
This will stop headlight dimming and voltage drops -which KILL electronics.
If this alone doesn't do the trick (I promise it'll help DRAMATICALLY) then an alt. upgrade is next on the list.
Remember, power cannot be used if it's not created (by alt.) and efficiently reach battery (where it is then used).
Good Luck!
2007-04-02 21:05:20 · answer #1 · answered by ohm 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
While the engine is running, a second battery is useless for most systems. It will actually increase the load on the alternator, not decrease it. The only advantage of a second battery is that you can use the system longer with the engine off.
A capacitor has the advantage that it can store a charge with a voltage very close to what the alternator puts out (as opposed to being limited to 12.6 volts like the battery) BUT a capacitor still will not prevent alternator problems if you're just drawing too much current.
I would advise having the alternator checked to be sure it's working properly.
2007-04-02 18:57:06 · answer #2 · answered by KaeZoo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A Capacitor will only even out the peak draws, which you dont seem to have a lot of. It seems that you may just have a smaller car with a weak alternator, if it couldnt keep up, the battery was giving the rest, once that went, well.... You should look into a higher amp rated alternator. A second battery will prolong the dying, but if your alternator cant produce enough to charge the drain while running it, youll be back sooner than later.
2007-04-02 18:07:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cap will only help the amp. Since you did not state that your lights (headlights) did not dim while the bass hit, the cap will not help you. Al of that other electronic gear is running off of your battery. But your alternator needs to keep that gear powered while the engine is on. A second battery wouldn't hurt, but I would check to see if your alternator can handle the voltage draw.
2007-04-02 23:30:57 · answer #4 · answered by Rawbert 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a new alternator that puts out more current. The battery is only used for all that stuff when the car is not running. When the car is on, the alternator powers the electrical systems.
2007-04-02 16:53:52 · answer #5 · answered by Wocka wocka 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
did you have your electrical system checked? To me, it doesn't seem like you are running enough power to kill a battery unless your alternator is not charging the battery (or you had the car off with all this stuff running). A cap will help with power surge demands (that makes your headlights blink), a second battery won't do much unless you plan on running the system without the car running. Sounds like you just super-discharged your battery.
2007-04-02 16:54:16 · answer #6 · answered by Mike C 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree getting a high output alternator would be a good idea, but a cheaper one would be doing the big three. Since you already bought a battery I guess it is too late to suggest a optima yellow top.
2007-04-03 01:14:54 · answer #7 · answered by doooollan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out sonicelectronix.com and under brands look for kinetik. much better than caps
2007-04-02 17:14:05 · answer #8 · answered by ghettocowboy248 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋