Power consumption in a 4th gen 97 Camry?

[DM616]

I think I've added too much to my car, my radio powers off randomly, and my headlights today on the road suddenly flashed off for a quick second.

I also notice the dashboard/headlights flash (not on and off but like a dim flash...it dims back and forth).

I have:

Aftermarket Radio (Pioneer DEH2200UB) with USB flash drive
6 SMD LED Dome Light (White)
LED License Plate Bulbs (white x 2)
HID Kit (6000K)

I believe that's all I've done <_< the rest is stock. Is there something I need to remove? Something add? I don't know why it's messing up...how do you guys add LEDs to your floor and what not without this happening? Should I not drive around like this?

97 Camry l4

[Chris Crash]

My camry does the same thing at idle, but that's because of a UR crank pulley. Check your alternator.

I'm about to do the big three upgrade, you should too.

[DM616]

My alternator is going...? I'm only at 79500 miles. What's the big three upgrade? Should I take it to autozone to have them test it or is there a better method.

[Chris Crash]

Yeah have it tested. The big three upgrade is just a wiring upgrade. You make the wires going from these 3 places beefier:
1) Alternator to positive
2) Battery To ground
3) Engine to ground

[DM616]

Alright. I'll take it to autozone (free right?). What's the cost of rebuilding or replacing an alternator? I really hope it ain't so, what's the chance it dies at such mileage? I always thought it died around the end of the car's years.

If it's not the alternator, what else could it be? The battery is new, or that's what I was told when I purchased the car last July/August.

[Chris Crash]

Yeah it's free. It might just be the belt is loose, and not charging the battery as it should. Does the battery light come on the dash at all?

[DM616]

Never comes on.

Could a bad grounding cause this?

Also, could I be using too much voltage? These LEDs I've put in are from China afterall >_> had no problems until after my license plate lights...or at least that's what I think. I noticed when I put on my signals the radio shut off for a second, and this did happen a few times.

I honestly think I'm putting too much voltage out, and the one way to fix this is going back to stock right? Or does the big three upgrade help?

[fenixus]

DM616, I would try going all stock with lights (remove all HIDs/LEDs) and see if keeps happening. it might be related to a HID ballast ground or so. if issue stops with a stock lighting then you have the answer (some 3rd party device issue or too much power required).

i think autozone tests alternators for free as well as advance auto. not sure if either one requires alternator to be off car for testing though, never tried them with that.

[Chris Crash]

I know Advance can test the alternator with it on the car. They hook it up and pretty much load test it, making you turn the car on, rev to a certain RPM and hold steady.

[DM616]

I'm going to be investigating a bit more into this before taking it to Autozone/Advance because if it was the alternator, the BATT light would come on, usually...but I believe there is a chance it doesn't have to come on.

I'm going to return the license plate bulbs and dome light to stock tomorrow, the only problem is this doesn't seem to happen all the time when driving, but most of the time the radio powers off or some weird shit occurs.

I also noticed a difference in steering, or maybe it's just me. Seems a bit more 'stiff' but not much. Steering fluid?

Also AC is on with heat blowing lowest setting.

[carsrus]

Originally Posted by DM616

I'm going to be investigating a bit more into this before taking it to Autozone/Advance because if it was the alternator, the BATT light would come on, usually...but I believe there is a chance it doesn't have to come on.

I'm going to return the license plate bulbs and dome light to stock tomorrow, the only problem is this doesn't seem to happen all the time when driving, but most of the time the radio powers off or some weird shit occurs.

I also noticed a difference in steering, or maybe it's just me. Seems a bit more 'stiff' but not much. Steering fluid?

Also AC is on with heat blowing lowest setting.

Sorta sounds like your alternator belt might be slipping, but that would make a pretty loud screech noise. The A/C should turn on automatically when you set the fan to defrost.

LED's use less power than incandescent bulbs so thats not your prob. Look on the battery for a production date sticker. It could be old, people will say anything and everything to sell a car.

Best thing to do if your planning to do future upgrades Is big 3 upgrade with good wires and a good battery. Sears DieHard are great and you can get a slight oversize one. It's worth the extra cash.

With big 3 and a bigger battery you can easily run 2 12inch subs and any other smaller accessories you already have without spending to much $$$ on a bigger alt.

[DM616]

I put on the defrost button but the AC does not go on. Should the light go on? I have to push in the AC button on otherwise the windows fog badly.

So if LEDs run less power...then what could this be? I thought HIDs used less voltage too. I don't hear a screech either, so I doubt it's the belt then.

I'll check the battery but I'm pretty sure it's less than a year old.

The ground wire from the HID was grounded under a bolt from the HID (pic: http://oi56.tinypic.com/2rztm2r.jpg)...bad grounding spot?

I'll take it to autozone or advanced friday.

[RU2CHKN]

optima yellow top nuff said

[DM616]

You think it's the battery? Car starts fine though...quick even in cold weather.

What are all the possible things I can check for? I have a voltmeter...

[Chris Crash]

I don't think it's the battery. It could very well be the alternator, even without the belt slipping and the light on. Mine doesn't work properly and the light never comes on...hopefully the big three upgrade will help me though!