Amp frys alternator...

[bigairart414 10+ year member]

I just got my tsunami GXA1000D i hooked it up just to a mtx 10 400 watts goin to her, couple mins later everything shuts off, next day later my truck starts only when it wants to, tested it and it was toast, any reasons for this or ideas?? or how to solve and fix it in the future?

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[BooLeaN 10+ year member]

It's possible that the amp is too big. If you have a small alternator ( or sometimes old/weak) adding an amplifire can break the alternator due to the extra strain it puts on it.

You should find out what the stock alternator puts out (in amps). Once you figure that out, post it up here. I'm not too great when it comes to this stuff so someone else will hopefully be able to tell you if you are going to need a bigger one or not.

If you do need a bigger one, that is probably the reason your old one broke.

Say the amp was trying to draw 60 amps from the alternator, plus the fans, fuel pump, lights, etc etc. and your alternator only pust out 40 amps, you have a problem.

Good luck

 

[CWT 10+ year member]

Need to what year and make of truck you have.

Have you already changed the alternator and it's still having problems?

If your truck is an older one, the alternator was probably on its way out already; voltage regulator probably quit from the load. Good time to upgrade. Also make sure ALL of your grounds (Alternator, battery, amps, engine ground strap) are in good order. A bad enough main ground can cause a feed-back to the alternator and kill it. With it "starting only when it wants to", sounds like a bad connection someware; either that, or your starter might be on its way out too.

 

[bigairart414 10+ year member]

Its a 1989 GMC s-15 they changed the alternator and voltage regulator, starter is new on it, i havent tried to hook my amp back up to tell you the truth im kinda scared i cant afford to be blowing alternators

 

[DJ FURY 10+ year member]

Get a high output alternator.They are expensive but no more than buying new alternators every so often.

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

A big amp shouldn't blow your alt. If the amp is drawing too much current, it will drain your battery. Now if the alt had gone out after say a couple months, Id say its possible the stress on the charging system took its toll on the alt. But, after a few mins? Nah, your amp didnt blow the alt, might have been the straw that broke the camel's back tho (ie: it was already dying).

 

[bigairart414 10+ year member]

so should i be safe with a new voltage regulator and alternator, even if the new one is stock?? im thinking about gettin a new battery also before i screw with that again