The voltage of my power cap varies from start up to start up

Question

Every time I start my car my power cap voltage stabilize at a different voltage. Even with the amp off it will differ. Sometimes it might only go up to 12.5 then stay there, other times its gone up to 15.0 and stayed there even with my system on. if it matters i have a power acoustik 5 farad cap, hifonics brutus 1606d and 2 solobaric 12" L7's running at 1 ohm.

Answer 1

Sounds like a bad cap if it can't hold a consistent voltage at startup. First, I'd drain it and then charge it with a charging bulb, maybe it just needs to be recycled. Has your battery ever died or have you had trouble starting it? This could also be a sign that your cap is going, as it is continually cycling through current, as it cannot store it properly. When you engine is one, with your system off your cap should be around 14.4 volts and with the engine off it should register right around 12 and then slowly decline down from there as your car is resting, but it shouldn't fall too low. Sometimes I monitor mine, and if I use my viper system to unlock my doors, it senses a change in voltage and displays the current reading, I've never seen it drop below 10.3 when the car has been off for a long time. But anyway, try recharging it. Also, check the ground leads. And hopefully it's as close to your amp as it can get, this will help results. The cables from cap to amp should be 18 inches or less (if possible) for best results.