Headlights dimming

[stratusrt01 10+ year member]

I'm having some major headlight dimming issues, even with the Big 3 done and an extra Red Top in the trunk. I wouldn't think that I should be having that much of a problem. For about the 1st 2 weeks I didn't have these issues at all, but it's consistantly getting worse.

I have heard that without a battery isolator or large relay, that the batteries can actually drain each other, one needs power, so it pulls from the other and then vise versa. My question is: Should I try a battery isolator before I plunk down $600 for the 170 amp alternator for my car?

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[phantom240 5,000+ posts]

in my opinion, no. your amp is pretty hefty right? youre not making enough power to supply your amps, and they are pulling from your batttery as a result. i'd say if youre gonna go with a high power system, make sure that youre going to produce enough power to keep your amps going at their maximum while still maintaining your car's vital functions.

Just my 2 cents...

Oh yeah... why a redtop and not yellow?

 

[Blazin_Jason 10+ year member]

$600 for an alt for your car seems a little high to me. Depending on what type of car you have, you could instal relays at the headlights and instead of the power going through the headlight switch, it comes straight from the battery. Although you shouldn't be having problems if you have done the big 3 and an extra battery.

 

[phantom240 5,000+ posts]

exactly... if hes having problems after the big 3 and battery he needs to make more power... running them via relay is like putting a bandage on... it wont help, but rather itll make you feel better until youre stranded and piss on you car cuz it crapped out on you.... ive been in a situation like that.

 

[imaspaceguy90 10+ year member]

Yea id hit up a new alt. alternators are the ehart ofa setup really.

 

[stratusrt01 10+ year member]

Because of my car, I have really been having problems finding a decent alternator for under $600, and that one is only 170 amps. If anyone can get me a better price on an alternator for a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT V6, which is the same car as mine, and I always get the wrong parts when I say Stratus, I'd appreciate it.

 

[stratusrt01 10+ year member]

Update: Took the old trusty multimeter out to monitor the front battery this morning, and at an idle with no music playing I was at 14.2 V. With the stereo on playing mostly vocals it dropped down to 13.8 V. When I played "Let's Ride", I was seeing it drop consistantly to 10V, and saw a bunch of dips down into the 4-6 volt range, and once it even dropped to 2V. This was without the lights or any accessories on also.

 

[AcidicDreams 10+ year member]

Update: Took the old trusty multimeter out to monitor the front battery this morning, and at an idle with no music playing I was at 14.2 V. With the stereo on playing mostly vocals it dropped down to 13.8 V. When I played "Let's Ride", I was seeing it drop consistantly to 10V, and saw a bunch of dips down into the 4-6 volt range, and once it even dropped to 2V. This was without the lights or any accessories on also.

Just buy the alternator... you NEED it.... also in a bind you could drive around w/o music once in awhile to make sure all the batteries are topped off....

 

[stratusrt01 10+ year member]

Just buy the alternator... you NEED it.... also in a bind you could drive around w/o music once in awhile to make sure all the batteries are topped off....

Yeah, I'm going to get it, but I don't start my new job until March 1st, so I'm trying to skimp on money until I actually get my first couple paychecks. I've been just riding around with it turned down most of the time since I checked the voltages this morning. That much voltage drop is a killer on batteries.

 

[bimma85 5,000+ posts]

Because of my car, I have really been having problems finding a decent alternator for under $600, and that one is only 170 amps. If anyone can get me a better price on an alternator for a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT V6, which is the same car as mine, and I always get the wrong parts when I say Stratus, I'd appreciate it.

where have you called? ohio gen? mean green? EA?

I can't believe it would cost that much.

 

[stratusrt01 10+ year member]

I've called H-O Alternators and Mean Green, haven't tried Ohio or EA, forgot about Ohio actually. Mean Green has a 140 amp for $399, I'd rather have something a little stronger, but paying twice that for 170 amp doesn't appeal to me either.