My car lights are dimming because of my sound system what should i do?

Question

I have 2 alpine type x subs (1000 rms) being powered by a kole audio 5500. The amp has 1700 rms. I already hooked up a boss cap that is 2 farad. I have a 2006 dodge stratus sedan sxt and i am still useing the stock battery. I was wondering if i need a new battery, cap, or what?

Answer 1

Add a cap: http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/...

or: http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/...

An overcharging alternator almost comes stock on the cars today, but you can check with your local dealership for more information on what your vehicle is equipped with by using your VIN.

Answer 2

kinetik battery is a major need like an hc 1800  and if you got the extra money a new high output alternator would be best

Answer 3

First thing is you need to change ALL of your grounds in the car to a minimum of 4 gauge, like the ones from the battery to the chassis, the engine to the chassis, etc. Then you need at least a 160 AMP alternator. The caps WILL NOT help with dimming lights, all they do is store power for the amps when they need it. The battery will also need the be upgraded. DO NOT get the yellow top, get the red top Optima battery.

Answer 4

you can also get a bigger alternator.

Answer 5

a cap should be the last thing you should buy. the first thing you could do to improve your dimming lights is to upgrade "the big 3". they are power wires under your hood. they are 1. battery ground 2. power wire from battery to alternator and 3. your engine ground. upgrade all these wires with a 0/1 guage wire and it'll maximize your current flow which should help with your lights. the next thing to do if that doesnt work is to get a bigger alternator. thats really your only true solution. a cap or a bigger battery wont help. your stock alternator cant handle supplying your battery with enough power for that 1700 rms your putting it through and with a cap, not only are you charging the battery but you also have to charge the cap. so its even worse. get a bigger alternator. it will be the best thing you can purchase for a high powered system.

Answer 6

I was running 2 type X subs with 2 Audiobahn 8002s with a 3 farad bat cap AND I put in an Optima red top battery and my lights still dimmed. I didnt even have the amps turned up because my door speakers were stock. I personally think you might want to go 5 farad. Def go with a Optima battery especially if you run your system with the car off.  That is the only thing I could think of unless you want to get a seperate battery in the trunk etc. My car was a 2000 VW Jetta 1.8t with a very strong current. I guess you could upgrade the alternator, but check how strong your current is. Sorry I couldnt help more, but I felt your same pain.