lights dim when bass hits

[DrtySthV6SE]

i have one amp the Premier PRS X720 running my 15" and at night when i have my lights on i can see them dim when i have it up just a little bit. Now i have an old battery about 4 years old and the amp supposedly pulls:
current consumption at continuous power 46A
average current two channels 15A one channel 23A
Could the lights be dimming because of the battery?? What does a camry alternator usually produce?? And do i need a new one??

Thanks for the help

[SCEPTER300RR]

unless u're rich just go for a capacitor a 1 farad cap should help remove that problem.. good luck...

new alternator u can get it re wound to get a higher amp / current... also dont forget even though ur amps are only pulling 23amperes ur headlights are drawing as well as ur a/c radio cd changer and etc!! so be careful..

[alex]

i say get a cap

[Silver Streak]

According to his pics, it looks like he has a cap!

[DrtySthV6SE]

Yeah thanks silver streak i forgot to add that i have a .5 farad cap.

Edit: re wind the alternator how does that work (well i know how it works) and who can do it. Would it be better than getting a new one?
_________________
1995 Camry V6 SE -- K/N Filter,JL Audio 15W3,Pioneer Premier PRS-X720 Amp,Arospeed Bomb Exhaust,H.I.D. Xenons,17"ADR RS Limited Mase on Ventus Tires,Interior Neons.Factory Leather,CD w/6 Speakers,Sunroof
http://www.geocities.com/buhlian22/camry.html

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: DrtySthV6SE on 2002-07-15 22:38 ]</font>

[camry_dude]

I have 2 rockford fosgate 12's running with a 250 by 2 fosgate amp with a .5 cap. I also have hyper light headlights and interior neons. My lights dim when either the bass hits or I just step on the brake without the bass on! Its pretty bad when you do both. Any other ideas?

[DrtySthV6SE]

Probably its our alternators does anyone know what they are supposed to produce on a camry??

[camry_dude]

my stock one puts out 70 amps. But I just got my battery tested and my alternator and they were putting out what they were supposed to.

[tmanana]

Yeppers...mine is putting out 70 as well. I say the battery might be on it's dying days...but I would say that the lights will dim with that drain even with a .5 cap. You might want to step up to a 1 farad cap....but I will say that caps are only a quick fix. If I were to make an investment...I would say put it in a dry-cell battery (optima), increase the number or gauge of your grounds going from the battery to the body, and make sure you have thick enough power wires to your amp. Those improvements will give you real output changes. Of course you can get a new or rebult alt....but that will cost you a bit more. With increased grounds, 2 gauge wires, and optima orange top, and a 1 farad cap I have almost no headlight dimming and just a bit inside the car (most noticable in the indiglo gauges)...and that's with about 1500 watts running at any given time and the countless other electronics I have running at night (why my car hasnt burned to the ground I have no clue.....lol). Ask away if you need any details.

Toby

[camry_dude]

hey thanks for the advice. I think I will go for the 1 farad cap, better battery and new ground wires. I don't have a lot to spare, so right now that sounds like the best option.

[Silver Streak]

Try getting a 4 gauge wire attached from your alternator to your +ve post of the battery. Someone did this before with the same symptoms as you and it worked.

[smokey8890]

my advice go get a upgraded alternator. i got one from mralternator.com for $225 135 amp hot rated

[96CamrySt4]

I got my alternator from mralternator.com as well. Really nice product and excellent price. Go for that dude... 140 kick ass amps flowin' thro 'dis piziece... ha

[tmanana]

For those w/ upgraded alts....curious if you have been happy with them and what kinda of warranty did that have? Thanks in advance.

[DrtySthV6SE]

thanks tmanana
I will try those simple upgrades except i dont want to put out 150$+ for a new cap. Maybe upgraded wires will work since i am only running 8 gauge everywhere.
Thanks again