Headlight dimming?

bynummustang

Seen my other Jackstand?
Jul 24, 2005
1
2
69
NC State University
I just bought a S15L7 sub, and I haven't bought my amp, deck, or box. I have a friend who has a system, and when it hits, the lights dim. What causes this, and how can I prevent this from happening once I get my system installed and turned on?
 
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His alternator doesnt produce enough amperage to power his system. One way to solve this is too just go and buy a new alt, or have his current alt re-wound. Also, look into doing something known as "The Big 3." How many watts does his amp put out?

Using 0awg. and 4awg. wire:

replace the stock positive wire from the alt to the pos terminal of the battery..


replace the stock ground from the neg battery terminal to chassis

replace the stock ground from the neg battery terminal to the block
 
If the amps try to draw too much power from the electrical system, the lights will dim. Avoid buying an amp rated at 14v or more; a car battery (and electrical system) runs at 12v. I'm running 2 4-channel amps and have no dimming, but they run at rated output on 12v. Make sure you use 4-guage wire from the battery to the amps, and that the ground wire from the amps is the same guage as the power wire. Capacitors (readily available at Best Buy or Circuit City) can store additional power for occasional dynamic spikes, which may also reduce or eliminate dimming. If that's not enough, consider an extra battery in the trunk to power the audio. IMO
 
Running bigger wire and grounds will do nothing to solve the problem.A bigger wire from the alternator is not going to make it put out more amps.The alternator is struggling to supply the needed power to amps so the battery is getting used.On my 05 HD diesel, i have 4 L5'12",2000 watt D class and 2 factory batteries and stock alternator,at the loudest the lights dont dim at all even with light and a/c on.At least a 140 amp alternator,I prefer dual batteries over power caps,they just look cool with the flashing numbers,big deal. :rolleyes:
 
UPgrading the "Big 3" wires in your engine compartment can lower the overall resistance of your entire electrical system. The effects of the lower resistance are typically:

1) Reduced dimming and smaller voltage drops
2) More stable voltage and better current flow
3) Less strain on your vehicle's charging system

iskwezm, would you mind posting some pics of your system in your stang. in about to install one myself and would to get some ideas. Thanks.
 
Rajun_Cajun said:
UPgrading the "Big 3" wires in your engine compartment can lower the overall resistance of your entire electrical system. The effects of the lower resistance are typically:

1) Reduced dimming and smaller voltage drops
2) More stable voltage and better current flow
3) Less strain on your vehicle's charging system

iskwezm, would you mind posting some pics of your system in your stang. in about to install one myself and would to get some ideas. Thanks.
I did this a few months ago just to be ready for a show,so i might redo a few things
box.jpg

trunk1.jpg

neon1.jpg