Power... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

simplysic · 12-25-2004, 02:33 PM

hello all, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

just got new deck about 2mths ago, Sony CDX-M8805X
before that, i had my stock 90' radio in there.

Ever since then, i've noticed that the lights are much more dimmer, the RPMS a hover at around 700-900 at idle.

Why is this, is it my battery not able to keep up with power usage?...

What is the solution!

Ostornadoe · 12-25-2004, 02:56 PM

Your alternator would be the one handling it when the car is running.... A new headunit shouldn't draw that much more power than an older stereo. Do you have any new speakers in there perhaps?
You should take your car to an auto store where they do free battery/alternator checks and have them check the voltages.(Try AutoZone, O'Reilley Auto Parts, or Advanced Auto Parts, I think they all do free checks.) It could be the alternator is bad, or maybe you have a poor ground? If the alternator is ok, try upgrading your BIG 3(search for BIG 3 and you'll get a lot of info on it)

fredk · 12-25-2004, 03:16 PM

you better do a current flow test on your radio wiring and your alt.

simplysic · 12-25-2004, 03:24 PM

i did upgrade my speakers from stock to 3.5 Fosgates (front) n 5.25 JBLs (rear)

Ostornadoe · 12-25-2004, 03:54 PM

might be that your alternator was a little weak, and it just can't put out enough power to power the headunit and speakers.... good chance a new or upgraded alternator, or upgraded BIG 3 would fix the dimming problem. Definately get your alternator checked when you get a chance.

simplysic · 12-25-2004, 05:11 PM

like i said guys i'm a n00b (i kno i shouldnt mention this 24/7)

i'm in Toronto, what places can i get this tested?...my alternator...

i did look at 4alterstart.com, but this car prolly wont stay till the next winter anyways, so no point investing soo much.

(i put all that stuff in only coz i'm an audiophile, besides i can always take it out n return it to stock..u kno?)

Ostornadoe · 12-25-2004, 08:41 PM

The places around here are Pep Boys, Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Napa Auto Parts.... Not sure if there are any of those up in Toronto.
Basically any auto parts store should test it, but if I were you, I would try and find one that will do it for free.

simplysic · 12-25-2004, 11:11 PM

Ostornadoe, u da man! :P...thanx

Ostornadoe · 12-25-2004, 11:24 PM

Thanks, let us know if you figure out the problem once you've taken it to a store. Good luck finding and fixing whatever the problem is.

***REN69*** · 12-27-2004, 07:49 PM

Symplisic.. go to canadian tire or walmart to get your battery checked, I think CT does alternator checks too.. not sure if walmart does.

rated_w · 12-29-2004, 11:56 PM

sounds like bad alternator..

I got lights dimming ever since I got my deck installed 2.. ... well a deck, amplifier and subs :P

simplysic · 01-03-2005, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REN69

Symplisic.. go to canadian tire or walmart to get your battery checked, I think CT does alternator checks too.. not sure if walmart does.

u kno if they do it for free?...cost? I'm broke after Xmas

simplysic · 01-03-2005, 10:02 AM

i just realised a new problem...

i was at a red light yest. n i noticed a thudding sound/feeling during idle. When the light went green n during acceleration, the car almost stalled. Does this have relation to the alternator/battery problem?

Ostornadoe · 01-03-2005, 01:18 PM

Might be that your alternator is very dead now. When my alternator went, my lights were dimming and eventually the car just stalled and wouldn't start. Has your battery been ok lately while starting? I would definately get the alternator checked ASAP before you get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

simplysic · 01-03-2005, 02:57 PM

DANG!....k..tomrow..during my Spare

The battery has been fine i think...as soon as i turn on the ignition...its starts...it does take a .5second longer but i'm assuming thats coz of the cold weather here in Toronto. (even tho it hasnt been THAT cold of late 32-42F)