How to check you alt???

[Rockguy475 10+ year member]

Ok so I set my gains properly using a volt meter and had my wiring checked out especially my grounds and everything looks good. Problem is at high volumes with heavy bass my amp is still not getting the proper voltage.

I have already done the big 3 with 4 gauge wire and replaced my stock battery with a optima yellow. My system only pushes 900 rms (jl hd 5 channel amp) so I know my car should be able to power it. I am starting to suspect the alternator is going bad. Car is a 08 Malibu so it's a good 5 to 6 years old. How would I go about getting my alt checked out? Is this something I can do with a volt meter or do I need to bring it into a car shop?

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[Full Tilt 10+ year member]

Just to let you know, contrary to popular belief, Optima yellows aren't all that great for car audio. Look into brands like Deka.

 

[Rockguy475 10+ year member]

Just to let you know, contrary to popular belief, Optima yellows aren't all that great for car audio. Look into brands like Deka.

Yes but for 900 watts that should be more then enough right?

 

[NASTY08IMPALA 5,000+ posts]

Just to let you know, contrary to popular belief, Optima yellows aren't all that great for car audio. Look into brands like Deka.

Yes optimas are junk ...u shouldnt be having voltage issuea on that power u can have a load test done at auto zone ..i suspect ur batt or batt and alt are bad

 

---------- Post added at 12:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:06 AM ----------

 

Yes but for 900 watts that should be more then enough right?

Not if ur alt is bad ..and ive seen optimas crap out in 3 months under a load...amd if ur alt is bad it will be even worse

 

[Rabbit]

You could of got a XS Power battery for about the same price as that optima battery.

 

[NASTY08IMPALA 5,000+ posts]

You could of got a XS Power battery for about the same price as that optima battery.

Ehh they arent that cheap ..but i get dekas for 100 less than optimas and they are alot better ...i got all 3 of my dekas for retail of a xs3100

 

[momofx 10+ year member]

Deka ftw considering the price and size of the battery.