EXPERTS STEP IN PLEASE...1997 Cadillac STS 2500 watts

[rdlyn13000 10+ year member]

So we finally through everything in my buddies caddy the other day! Its a 1997 Cadillac STS, it has a new 160 amp alternator which is stock for that car and a new AC Delco battery. We did the big3 with zero gauge and have zero gauge running from the battery to a cap in the rear (only reason we are using the cap is for a distribution block) Then from the Block we have 4gauge power and ground going to the amps. We are using 1-JL Audio 450/4 for the interior speakers and 2-JL Audio 1000/1's for the subwoofers, Subs are 2-12W7's in a crappy ported box.

So when we turn everything up the interiors are screaming and subs are slamming but shortly after the 450/4 will cut out so just the subs are going. When I look at the amp the power light is flashing green about one flash every 3 seconds. It has 3 lights total on the amp, power/thermal/low ohm.

Then if we keep it bumping even with the interiors cut out the subs will eventually cut out for a second or two then the subs will come back on. The 1000/1 amps have 4 lights on them, power/thermal/low ohm/Low Volt. When the subs cut out I see the Low Volt flash on the 1000/1's.

I know the JL amps are very inefficient amps and we do not have a high output alternator or any additional batteries. Im assuming what is going on here is a power issue but we do not want to upgrade the alternator. What should we do or where should we go from here? Would upgrading the stock battery under the hood to a big Kintek do the trick or will we need to run multiple batteries in the trunk? Space is pretty tight in the trunk as well....

Also please keep the comments about ditch the JL and buy Sundown etc... We are just looking for help on this current set up from the Experts on the forum.

Thanks guys I appreciate it!!

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[logiball 10+ year member]

Ditch the cap that you are using for a distrib block and get an actual block maybe, but I would definitely pick up a bigger batt for starters. Good luck

 

[brodeisel 10+ year member]

Get a battery up front and in back.

 

[logiball 10+ year member]

Just out of curiosity are you using a stock hu?

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

Didn't read the thread but I would redo that box...port area is definitely lacking.

 

[rdlyn13000 10+ year member]

The head unit is a Pioneer double din AVH p4000

I know the box is garbage, it came with the subs thats why we are using it. I plan on getting some plans from a sponsor here...

 

[rdlyn13000 10+ year member]

Ditch the cap that you are using for a distrib block and get an actual block maybe, but I would definitely pick up a bigger batt for starters. Good luck

Why do you think the cap would have anything to do with it? I would think at worst the cap would help??

 

[jolly_26 10+ year member]

How's your ground? Did you run it through the floor and connect it direct to the chassis? Made a huge difference when I did that to mine, so give it a go.

 

[CAT MAN 5,000+ posts]

im guessing bad voltage or the ground isnt on the frame. ditch that box. sell the amps and get a lil better. those jl amps are not efficient

 

[DoesDad 10+ year member]

I like the subs but that's about it. With the money you spent on the subs and amps you should've spent it on your electrical and maybe gotten it a piece at a time... Now it's just going to get more and more expensive trying to run that setup.

 

[rdlyn13000 10+ year member]

How's your ground? Did you run it through the floor and connect it direct to the chassis? Made a huge difference when I did that to mine, so give it a go.

The ground is not directly to the frame, its on a bolt thats mount to the wheel well I believe. I will definitely move that

im guessing bad voltage or the ground isnt on the frame. ditch that box. sell the amps and get a lil better. those jl amps are not efficient

The box will be getting replaced, I dont believe the box has anything to do with the amps cutting out??

The JL amps put out plenty of power and push the W7's very well, we are also trying to keep the whole thing JL just for the looks purpose and the subs are 3ohm so Im not sure what else we could use to get 1000 watts to each?

 

[rdlyn13000 10+ year member]

I like the subs but that's about it. With the money you spent on the subs and amps you should've spent it on your electrical and maybe gotten it a piece at a time... Now it's just going to get more and more expensive trying to run that setup.

Everything has been bought used off craigslist or ebay and we have paid fractions of what you would pay new plus sold off the system that was in there so we are well under $1000 for everything you see in the pictures.

We are working on the electrical which is why I started this thread, just looking for positive help not personal comments thanks

 

[DoesDad 10+ year member]

I didn't get personal brutha... I think you should redo the ground, check all your connections and run a battery front and back. Better? Sorry if I seemed like a ****. Wasn't my intention.

 

[rdlyn13000 10+ year member]

I didn't get personal brutha... I think you should redo the ground, check all your connections and run a battery front and back. Better? Sorry if I seemed like a ****. Wasn't my intention.

Its all good Im just trying to get the problem resolved

 

[fomoco365 10+ year member]

I would definitely move the ground to the frame. Ground in a DC electrical system is as important as the positive side.