Help, Headlights dim when sub hits - Page 2

DarkImportGrey · #16 06-15-2002, 01:40 AM

ok idiots. the first thing you should know is that it is NOT GOOD to have your headlights dimming when your bass hits. That means the power supply provided by your alternator is NOT ENOUGH for your massive sound system and all your car's electrical systems. What you need is a CAPACITOR. These devices store up electricity so that when the bass hits it can draw power from the capacitor rather than the alternator. If you don't have a capacitor, plan on going through a battery or alternator or both every 1 - 2 years. If you get a rockford fosgate capacitor, you will be replacing it every two years depending on how hard it has to work. Monster (brand) capacitors are lifetime warranteed, so if it ever goes out, you get a new one for free. If you don't have a capacitor, you are going to DESTROY your car's normal electrical system, not to mention your sound system.

Melt · #17 06-15-2002, 07:21 PM

They dont dim much, and they only dim at idle. I will get a capacitor sooner or later but for now I aint too worried about it.
And my sound system isnt massive, its just 1 12"

Melt · #18 06-15-2002, 09:26 PM

Ok, darkimportgrey is offically tripping. I went to a custom audio shop in my town and the guy said it will just fuck up the battery. Will NOT fuck up alternator, electrical system, or sound system.

I have decided to get one anyhow, going to the flea market (again) tommorow to see if they have them there, if not will be getting a monster audio one from good guys.

Melt · #19 06-16-2002, 02:34 PM

I am also going to attempt to run some 8 ga, to see if that maybe stops the dimming. so 8ga, and if that dont work, a capacitor

crxlvr · #20 06-17-2002, 03:59 PM

sorry dark import but i dont know who you are talking with, i had my 2 12's running off of a 10guage wire, cuz i thought back then it was enough, and i got headlight dim, when i stepped upto the 4 into 8 guage setup, no headlight dim anywhere(noticible anyway), it is cleary the size of the wire he wants to run for his sub, it just cant handle the amount of power required so its taking it from elsewhere on his electrical system.

Melt · #21 06-17-2002, 04:01 PM

So I am currently bidding on ebay on capacitors. We will see once I win one. (and no, I am not bidding on multiple caps at same time cause I would be screwed if I won them all)

dfarres · #22 06-17-2002, 04:22 PM

ok, just my 2 cents

Changing the guage with help with power transfer to the amp but ur alternator can never supply the power quick enough so this is the reason u need a cap.

The cap stores and releases power faster than anything in ur cars system can. It works like an additional battery only charging and delivering in milliseconds, unlike the battery under ur hood.

Also keeping the cap close to the amp it reduces the distance the power has to travel. That's why when running the wire from the engine compartment to the rear u'll need a larger guage wire to help with the resistance.

Melt · #23 06-17-2002, 05:28 PM

we will see once I win it or not. I bid on a rockford fosgate one which looked pretty good. If i lose that one I will bid on a Monster audio or a Lightning audio cap. I was stupid and bid on a RF. I hear they go out but like I said we will see

Shadowkahn · #24 06-18-2002, 10:55 PM

how would a higher output alternator enhance performance? That's impossible. An alt. works by converting engine rotational power into electricity. higher output means higher input which means more engine power is going to the alt. and not going to the wheels.

Melt · #25 06-19-2002, 01:10 PM

I suppose because it provides more power. But I am no alternator expret, I was just going on what I have heard.

dfarres · #26 06-19-2002, 01:19 PM

Quote:

how would a higher output alternator enhance performance? That's impossible. An alt. works by converting engine rotational power into electricity. higher output means higher input which means more engine power is going to the alt. and not going to the wheels.

that is not the case... the engine doesn't work any harder with a higher output alt.
the alt. output is determined on how the coil inside is wound...... it still rotates the same as the stock alt. but, because of re-configured internals it is able to produce more energy. that's why it's more expensive than a stock one.

CZ-R · #27 06-19-2002, 01:21 PM

I agree that the gauge of wire could have a slight impact, but I gotta go with DarkImportGrey on this one. I've got a 1-farad Monster Cap in my car with a RF Power 500 pushin' two 12W6's. When I've got the bass hittin' hard you can watch the needle move on my Autometer volt gauge, but with the cap I've NEVER had a problem with lights dimming. Before I put the cap in I'd be driving around at night & people thought I was flashin' my lights at 'em cuz they dimmed so bad from the bass.

After all that rambling, my advice is to upgrade your wiring AND add a cap.

Just my $.02

Civic Rush · #28 06-19-2002, 02:17 PM

Ok I am not trying to start any wars here but I am a pro. I have been installing shit into cars for 4 years and I am certified in several things. But anyways it can mess up your alternator eventually. what it will do is when you drain the battery so far the car has trouble keeping up with the current draw. If the draw gets too high it will back feed the alternator and the battery and they will both go to shit. So for all of you who think that darkimprotgray is wrong he is not.

crxlvr · #29 06-19-2002, 03:41 PM

ok for all you non-believers, i am pushing 2000w of sub power in my car, and once i switched to 4 guage wire, no caps, nuthin, i never have any light dimming problems.

Melt · #30 06-19-2002, 06:21 PM

ok guys, they started dimming less once I put in the 8ga but they still dim nonetheless. 1 day left on ebay, and then I will have it.

Also, update on the clutch situation, it isnt the clutch, but it is some bearings in the tranny. Probably going to cost about 1k. There goes my savings.

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