I have an Audiobahn amp in my 96 Corolla and recently my battery died. I wasn't sure what was going on and someone told me that my alternator was nearly dead. What I want to know is how can I protect my alternator from dying. Some people have said a capacitor will fix it. Others say it will do no good and i have to beef up my alternator. Has anyone had this situation and came out of it with positive results. If so, what did you do?
2007-09-18 06:11:43 · 8 answers · asked by Niko 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
My mistake: I said it was an Audiobahn amp. The sub is an Audiobahn. Not the amp.
2007-09-18 06:12:39 · update #1
Buy a new battery. Also you can get a extra battery specially for your system.
2007-09-18 06:17:16 · answer #1 · answered by F T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cap is only good so far as the audio system isn't trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn't provide more power, it's designed to 'stiffen' the voltage to the amp, nothing esle. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help.
Only if your total system power is 1000 watts RMS or more, you will need to:
1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator
2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery
3. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 1/0 AWG wire.
Failure to do this will result in you replacing them anyway as the alternator will eventually fail.
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*EDIT*
A second battery is never a good idea as it's an added strain on the alternator to charge two batteries AND supply power for the car. The ONLY time a second battery is useful is if the audio system is to be used with the car off.
2007-09-18 06:59:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The standard Toyota has a tiny gutless 100 amp alternator. As an option on the trucks and Highlanders they have a 140 amp upgrade towing alternator. If I were spending your money why not take your alternator to an auto electric shop or auto parts store and pick out an alternator which will fit your brackets with the most amp. output.
2007-09-18 06:17:44 · answer #3 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, make sure it is the alternator.
Have the battery "load" tested to make sure it is up to par.
Have a mechanic do a draw test on your electric system to make sure it is not a short, or open circuit.
I would upgrade the alternator to at least 140-150 from the 100 stated above.
Well that my two cents....
2007-09-18 06:23:40 · answer #4 · answered by tom p 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a car with a 65-Amp alternator and 1000-watts RMS amplification. I ran a dual-battery system with an isolator, NO cap, no modified wiring. I never had a battery or alternator problem.
Best solution: More batteries.
2007-09-18 08:51:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bring Old Battery Back 2Life : http://Battery.findpolo.com
2015-11-18 04:57:57 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a high output alternator and upgrade the big 3. you can find out about the "big 3" from www.the12volt.com.
2007-09-18 06:30:19 · answer #7 · answered by ryan t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
up the cables to 4ga at least, put in a good cap, 1-3 farad would do and keep your engine running when you play your tunes. oh, try the optima yellow top battery when you replace your old one. marine deep cycle batteries are very good for car audio use.
2007-09-18 22:56:08 · answer #8 · answered by spitzie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋