alternator issues

[freddrick 10+ year member]

I recently had a wrangler alternator put in and lights still dim on heavy bass notes. the alternator is said to be 175 amps so I would think that that would be enough concidering I had the stock alternator which is 80 amps running the same set up, a diamond 600.2 (600x1) and a 400.4 (50x4) what gives I have a 1200.1 on the way will this present a problem the new amp draws about 125 amps and I figure the 4 channel draws 35 amps anybody have an answer?

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[KARLEON 10+ year member]

How long has this been a problem, like did you just install everything and go outside sit in the drive way and bump? Because im thinking most High output alternators, u have to reach a certain RPM before it puts out the max. If you are driving around and you notice the dimming, then i dont know. Ummm, maybe your battery is a bit weak. Try charging that or may even replace it. Also try to upgrade the Big 3. I hear that can help alot with dimming, but i cant say as hands on witness because i havent gotten my alternator back yet.

 

[freddrick 10+ year member]

it seems that the lights dim at any rpm I was thinking of changing the battery soon. what is the big 3 and what kind of price am I looking at? system is over budget and this is before the new amp comes in.

 

[KARLEON 10+ year member]

The Big 3 upgrade is basically upgrading some of your main wires up under the hood. It gives you a better current flow and help stablize your voltage drops. Plus its less strain on your vehicle electrical system. Its 3 simple steps. (Well some say its simple) It doesnt cost much at all, especially if you have some extra materials laying around the house from previous installs. Anywayz, with 4 gauge or larger wire you would need to replace the wire going from your 1) Battery negative to chassis 2) Alternator to battery positive 3) Chassis to engine. I hear you would need to fuse the wire from your alternator to battery positive. Ummm, i dont know if theres a detailed way how to do it here, but check out Sounddomain.com site. Up under their electrical titles, its a sticky and it goes into details.

So basically far as material.. a few feet of 4 gauge wire or larger...the metal crimp things that goes on the end of the wire...and if im right about fusing that, a fuse and fuse block... but check out that site, it can be more helpful than me

 

[onlyphases 10+ year member]

In addition to the previously mentioned.

Look at changing the battery to a larger Deep Cycle Battery (i.e. Optima Yellow Top).

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Batteries don't do anything for dimming. He has a 200A alt, the supply of current is not the issue. The problem is the restrictive wiring under the hood costing him voltage. Replace the big 3 as mentioned above and your problem should be fixed.