I have dimming from my subwoofer, need some help fixing it.

[Darren13]

12 inch kicker running 500 RMS @ 1 Ohm in a 2015 Toyota Corolla wired with 4 gauge OFC wire.

Right now I know for sure my alternator is powerful enough. That is all I know.. I have posted this same problem on two other websites and I get different opinions every time. These are the options I have been told, do not know which one will solve my dimming. Also, my dimming is only taillights and cabin lights (the white ones that illuminate the car). Also, my voltage drop is not very severe at all. I put a multimeter on my battery today and when the bass hit it would stay at 14V for maybe 85% of the time, 15% of the time maybe around 13.7-13.9, and I've seen it drop to 13.4 at its lowest. And I only saw that once. The dimming is also not very severe, but I want it fixed.

Big 3: I have been told this will allow more current to flow out of the alternator, and will help regulate my voltage since I have a little more power. Have also been told you should only do this if you are getting a more powerful alt. I have been told this might increase dimming.I have also read people say you only need this once you reach 1000RMS+. I have also read someone say stock electrical systems will only handle 500-800 RMS and I should do the upgrade.

New Battery: Someone told me that a new battery will be better than the one I have now and fix my dimming because it will send out current faster than my stock one. I have been recommended a yellow top. Have also seen my friend do this and it sort of solved his dimming problem.

Capacitor: This is where I get the mixed opinions the most. I have been told that this is only a band-aid fix and it might work but will be bad for my electrical. I have been told it will work perfectly for dimming and it is my solution. I have been told capacitors are the devil and will put more strain on my electrical in my car and increase dimming. Blah, blah blah, I've seen like 100 different opinions on these.

Check connections: My connections are sanded down and on my chassis very tight. Do not think this is my problem.

I have read so much good and bad about all these solutions but do not know which one will work. Do not want to keep throwing money at my car until one of these works, either. Anyone have any thoughts on which solution will actually work?

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[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

The big 3 is what will eliminate the dimming of headlights.....it's well known. And no, it won't ruin the electrical. That is false statement.

It looks like your getting wrong/right info....I can see the confusion.

 

[Darren13]

I get so much different information from everyone.. it is like no one goes by facts and only go by opinion. I will do the Big 3 then once I get the parts. I was thinking about returning them all since people said it will not work, even with proof of it working for others.

 

[Papermaker85 5,000+ posts]

dimming happens when voltage drops.

 

[Darren13]

I know that, but I want to know what will stop the voltage from dropping.

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

Ohm`s law,voltage drops can be an issue if there is a decent wire length difference in the wires ,longer wires causes more resistance which limits the current.. especially if the difference is 20%+/-.

I thought you were talking about headlight dimming, not interior lights dimming....which is weird. Don't think I've heard of that one before.

 

[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

big 3 will help i wont say itll fix it though, i have tons of upgraded wiring and my lights dim like nuts. its weird because my dash voltmeter stays pegged at 14v but the drop clearly shows me dropping to the 13s, even cruising at 2k rpm i get dimming with 2 alts lol

OP start here

1) test your battery, change it to an AGM if yours is needing a change

2) do the big three with 4 or 0 gauge OFC

3) upgrade your alternator

4) add batteries

5) caps?!!? nope - unnecessary for you

3 and 4 are only if you dont fix it before that point, but id be willing to bet you wont, so cut out the clipping and i bet your voltage will just be fine

do not buy any optima batteries - they are now rebadged shit

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

big 3 will help i wont say itll fix it though, i have tons of upgraded wiring and my lights dim like nuts. its weird because my dash voltmeter stays pegged at 14v but the drop clearly shows me dropping to the 13s, even cruising at 2k rpm i get dimming with 2 alts lol
OP start here

1) test your battery, change it to an AGM if yours is needing a change

2) do the big three with 4 or 0 gauge OFC

3) upgrade your alternator

4) add batteries

5) caps?!!? nope - unnecessary for you

3 and 4 are only if you dont fix it before that point, but id be willing to bet you wont, so cut out the clipping and i bet your voltage will just be fine

do not buy any optima batteries - they are now rebadged shit

I'll be in your state in 5 months.

 

[Papermaker85 5,000+ posts]

I know that, but I want to know what will stop the voltage from dropping.

voltage drop happens in two possible ways. inductave lag or exhaustion of the alternators power output..

ie when the current demand is to fast for the alt to respond or your pulling more power than the alternator can supply

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

voltage drop happens ond of two ways. inductave lag or exhustion if the alternators power output..ie when the current demand is to fast for tge alt to respond or your pulling more power than the alternatir can supply

He's asking how to stop it. Not an explanation.

And you wonder why people on here hate you so much.

 

[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

I'll be in your state in 5 months.

well ill be long gone by then my friend lol i graduate in may and my lease is up in june. gotta get the unmanned aircraft operator job and make bank to pay off the student loans obama helped me so much with

 

[Darren13]

It is not all of my interior, only the white ones on top that like light up the car. I turn them on and see them dim a fair amount.

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

well ill be long gone by then my friend lol i graduate in may and my lease is up in june. gotta get the unmanned aircraft operator job and make bank to pay off the student loans obama helped me so much with

Oh shucky darn then lol....it's our vacation in a warm/hotazzfawk state so that's something to look forward to.

It is not all of my interior, only the white ones on top that like light up the car. I turn them on and see them dim a fair amount.

I wouldn't sweat that at all if that's all is dimming.

 

[Darren13]

Oh shucky darn then lol....it's our vacation in a warm/hotazzfawk state so that's something to look forward to.


I wouldn't sweat that at all if that's all is dimming.

It is my taillights too.