My headlights dim when my subwoofer hits hard or I use electric windows!

[Techie333]

This always used to happen: my headlights dimmed down along with my guages lights whenever I put my windows down. But now that I recently installed a 600W RMS amp w/ 500W RMS subwoofer, every time it hits at fairly high volume, my headlights dim down!!! This is so annoying! I was alright w/ the windows, but now my damn headlights are flickering every time the sub hits even slightly hard!! WTF? I think this started happened when I a) replaced my stock battery w/ walmart battery or b) nicked my side view mirror a little bit after that and had to replace. Help! What can I do?

 

[amnesiac]

That's a pretty hefty amp there. You might consider a capacitor to help that problems.
Either that, or you might have problems with your alternator.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Get a better alternator after checking your connections at the grounds, battery terminals, and the alternator itself.

 

[Techie333]

ummmmmmmmm........what is an alternator and where is it located? LOL.

Also, I went down in crampin amps or something like that with the battery........could tht be the problem?

 

[flxnimprtmscl]

It has nothing to do with either. You need a capacitor. Whenever your subs hit your amps draw alot of juice that your alternator can't provide. Unless you've shelled over the bucks for a high output one that is. A capacitory is basicly just a battery reserve. Your cap charges off your battery and your amps draw off the cap. That way when your subs hit you're drawing off plenty of juice from the cap instead of limited juice from the alternator. Correct me if I've said anything wrong here stereo buff's You also could always just hook up a seperate battery to run your system off of.

 

[brxndxn]

Get a capacitor... lol @ your lack of knowledge

I would recommend buying a cheap cap over a Rockford Fosgate or something like that. Just make sure it feels pretty heavy. But, RF buys their caps from the same places that the cheap companies buy their caps. So, RF caps are like $200 when you can get a decent one for maybe $70.

I would highly recommend getting a cap with a voltage monitor lcd on it. When I'm just playing off the battery (hanging out in a parking lot playing music), the voltage monitor lets me know about how much I can drain the battery before I have to start my car up again. Plus, it lets you know if you're hooked up right.

EDIT: HOWEVER, I would probby trust a 1Farad brand-name cap over a 3Farad Pyramid cap. Pyramid tends to label their sh!t with crazy numbers that make absolutely no sense.

 

You're battery could be dieing, or you got a cheap one.

A capacitor designed for stereo systems, bigger/more batteries.

 

[blahblah99]

just get rid of the amp.

 

[Techie333]

You guys are all missing this fact: BEFORE I had an amp or sub, when I put down my electric windows, it did the same thing! Cranking amp on battery have something to do with this? LIke I said, the window thing has happened since I replaced my battery from walmart.

 

[Zim Hosein]

It has nothing to do with either. You need a capacitor.

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: Techie333
You guys are all missing this fact: BEFORE I had an amp or sub, when I put down my electric windows, it did the same thing! Cranking amp on battery have something to do with this? LIke I said, the window thing has happened since I replaced my battery from walmart.

Bad alternator and/or battery.

 

[fatkorean]

Originally posted by: Techie333
You guys are all missing this fact: BEFORE I had an amp or sub, when I put down my electric windows, it did the same thing! Cranking amp on battery have something to do with this? LIke I said, the window thing has happened since I replaced my battery from walmart.

Someone already mentioned and I quote Demon-Xanth

Get a better alternator after checking your connections at the grounds, battery terminals, and the alternator itself.

Also if you just "replaced the battery from walmart" and all your problems started from there...

-fk

 

[Adul]

Get a higher amp alternator. Get a cap for the amp.

 

[Techie333]

again, where is the alternator located, how much $$$$$$ to replace, and how do I replace?

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Techie333
again, where is the alternator located, how much $$$$$$ to replace, and how do I replace?

The alternator is the cubic-looking thing under the hood with the mass of copper wiring in it. It has lots of ventilation holes, you can't miss it. It runs off the accessory belt.

 

[Triumph]

capacitor. easy enough.

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: Techie333
again, where is the alternator located, how much $$$$$$ to replace, and how do I replace?

the alternator is a roundish thing that runs off of a belt up in your engine compartment. I would start with a capacitor, it would be alot cheaper given your lack of automotive knowledge. Be sure to mount it near the amp for the best results.

what kind of car do you have?

 

[flxnimprtmscl]

Originally posted by: Techie333
again, where is the alternator located, how much $$$$$$ to replace, and how do I replace?

Not to be rude but if you can't even find the thing it's probably best you not try to replace it on your own. Again, not trying to be rude, just honest.

 

[isaacmacdonald]

1 farad capacitor.

 

[Techie333]

1996 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: flxnimprtmscl

Originally posted by: Techie333
again, where is the alternator located, how much $$$$$$ to replace, and how do I replace?

Not to be rude but if you can't even find the thing it's probably best you not try to replace it on your own. Again, not trying to be rude, just honest.

Indeed. We could be looking at a simple belt adjustment or replacement

 

[mattgyver]

Go to your local auto parts store and they will test the alternator and the battery for free. If it's either of those, they'll be able to tell you within a matter of minutes. Pretty easy/cheap fix if either are bad.

 

[Techie333]

Originally posted by: mattgyver
Go to your local auto parts store and they will test the alternator and the battery for free. If it's either of those, they'll be able to tell you within a matter of minutes. Pretty easy/cheap fix if either are bad.

Sounds like a good idea, thanks!

 

[Viperoni]

Note that a capacitor will mask the problem (spready out a sharp voltage drop over a longer period so that it's much less noticeable), but the real solution would be a thicker power wire (yes, thicker than 4g), upgraded underhood wiring, and a more powerful alternator.

 

[fs5]

Originally posted by: Techie333

Originally posted by: mattgyver
Go to your local auto parts store and they will test the alternator and the battery for free. If it's either of those, they'll be able to tell you within a matter of minutes. Pretty easy/cheap fix if either are bad.

Sounds like a good idea, thanks!

you need a cap. <- period
thicker power if you don't already have it.