something about the power is weird - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

nobitanobi · 10-08-2007, 09:53 PM

Hi, I need a quick response before before taking any action. About 3 weeks ago I installed an amp in the trunk (everything worked perfectly). Now once in a while my car just completely out of power, but the funny part is if I wait for a minute the instrument lights will come on slowly one by one until they are completely solid. Only then I am comfortable to start the car. In addition my aftermarket HU cuts off randomly and starts itself back on. Right now I'm thinking the battry is going out. What do you guys think?

Thanks !

dpanda88 · 10-08-2007, 09:55 PM

most likely it is.. with having an amp or sub you'll definately need a stronger battery which gives higher watts.

***Eye8Pussies*** · 10-08-2007, 09:58 PM

^ a newer/better battery doesn't give any more watts....

but what it does do is not drain itself out when you run a system.

and it sounds you like you do need a new battery.

nobitanobi · 10-08-2007, 10:21 PM

"but what it does do is not drain itself out when you run a system"

I don't get what you are saying. My currently battery is probably drained to the point of no return? That's what I am thinking. I ran the system when the car is off a few times, that might have ruined the battery.

TMetalMan · 10-08-2007, 10:41 PM

How old is the battery? Batteries do need to be replaced eventually...

That said, I've had excellent results with the battery in my '97 Camry. I'm running dual 12" Kicker CompVR subs in a sealed box. I've turned up the volume/bass level quite high (when I'm not in the car), with and without the engine on many times. I have yet to have a problem with the battery, or alternator. Sometimes when I have the music on for extended periods of time with the engine off when I'm at home (like if I'm working on the Camry), I'll have a battery charger plugged in to keep the battery from dying.

Also, there is an 1.5 Farad capacitor that attaches right next to the power input of the amplifier. I've read that the use of such a capacitor will lengthen the life of the alternator, since it will more or less filter out those huge current spikes when the subs hit. I'd be willing to bet the capacitor also helps the battery out a lot.

95PimpingCamry · 10-08-2007, 11:33 PM

Yea, you should definitely get a capacitor. When your system is on it draws little current sometimes, and then a tremendous amount of current when it hits hard bass. The problem is that the max current that it sometimes draws exceeds what the battery and alternator can put out. So a capacitor will suck up a little energy during the lows and give energy during the high currents. This will make the current draw more level and within the limits of your battery and alt. The rule of thumb when getting a cap is you need 1 Farad per 1000 watts that your system draws.

BTW your current battery is shot and you need a new one.

xet · 10-08-2007, 11:49 PM

also how much are you running rms??

I run 600w rms in my camry with absolutely no problems what so ever

Black95Cam · 10-08-2007, 11:53 PM

been using my system without any cap and using a duralast battery and seem to be fine.. when i thump the system with the car off, i usually start it up about every 30 min or so just to give it a charged. and if you want a battery with more watts then go with kinetics or power masters.. it'll cost a heck a lot more but you can get more out of them or get a yellow top optima..

nobitanobi · 10-09-2007, 01:10 AM

Thanks for the replies. However, I read through many audio threads which considered capacitors unnecessary especially if you are running something very gentle like me (100x4 amp putting about 50 through 4 coaxial). I'm going to have my system checked out by Oraily's (sp) tomm and we will see. Thank again !

oh, my battery is not that old, 2-3 years max.

95PimpingCamry · 10-09-2007, 01:28 AM

If your only running 400w, your probably right you don't need a cap. I still think your battery is dead, some do die in only 2-3 years, it happens. Also get your alternator/charging system checked just to make sure that it is attempting to charge the battery.

xet · 10-09-2007, 01:32 AM

def an electrical problem then bat, alt, connecting wires, etc you should be able to run that with ease

Black95Cam · 10-09-2007, 02:06 AM

try http://stevemeadedesigns.com/ that site.. they are car audio freaks.. the owner of the site has a tahoe that hits 155+ dbs with ease. his set up is 4x 18s with over 20,000 watts of fosgate power.

Unco · 10-09-2007, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95PimpingCamry

If your only running 400w, your probably right you don't need a cap. I still think your battery is dead, some do die in only 2-3 years, it happens. Also get your alternator/charging system checked just to make sure that it is attempting to charge the battery.

yep, and adding a power hungry sound system to a battery that's on its way out is a sure way to kill it. i've done it before.