Lights dimming after new system installed

[benhsierra.]

I have a 2004 sierra and I just got a new system in it. Not too powerful(900watts to the sub, 500 to the speakers) but when the stereo is cranked all my lighting dims when the bass hits. What is the best option to fix this problem? Ive been told to get a 1.3 fared capacitor and a yellow top optima battery but my budget only permits one or the other. Which of the either is most likely to solve this problem? any advice is much appreiciated

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[miniaznkid 10+ year member]

maybe a battery no need for cap

 

[hornedfrog1985 5,000+ posts]

A yellow top, and the big 3 would probably be best. I think there are a couple used HO chevy alternators on here, that might be best?

 

[Etac 10+ year member]

before you buy anyhting.. redo the battery ground to chassis wire.. with highest guage you can.. if you havent already.. you'd be amazed at the difference this can make. alt to battery helps too

 

[Linkz 10+ year member]

A yellow top, and the big 3 would probably be best. I think there are a couple used HO chevy alternators on here, that might be best?

This would be best.

A deep cycle battery (or 2) and the big 3 (search for it). If that doesn't eliminate all the dimming then a new or additional alt would be the next step (shouldn't be needed).

Have your alt tested and see what the idle and 2krpm amperage are.

 

[blackbonnie 5,000+ posts]

This would be best.
A deep cycle battery (or 2) and the big 3 (search for it). If that doesn't eliminate all the dimming then a new or additional alt would be the next step (shouldn't be needed).

Have your alt tested and see what the idle and 2krpm amperage are.

no need for 2 batteries, or 1

i would do you big 3 first in 1/0 wire. if that doesnt fix it, then go with a deep cell battery. your big 3 should only run you around 20$ in that vehicle.

cheapest and most efficient upgrade you can do for your electrical system

 

[rickymac21 10+ year member]

i agree ! my big 3 is poorly done and only with additional 4 guage but it made a difference big time ! i will be redoing it with 0 gauge and should be even better... big 3 will solve your dimming. DO NOT BUY THE CAPACITOR...

 

[loopkiller 10+ year member]

I have a 2004 sierra and I just got a new system in it. Not too powerful(900watts to the sub, 500 to the speakers) but when the stereo is cranked all my lighting dims when the bass hits. What is the best option to fix this problem? Ive been told to get a 1.3 fared capacitor and a yellow top optima battery but my budget only permits one or the other. Which of the either is most likely to solve this problem? any advice is much appreiciated

First things first, no capacitor is needed for powering your amps. You already have plenty of caps in the amp already.

1) What you need is to reinforce your stock wiring. That is called the Big 3 in the car audio word. Check the sticky at the top of this section. Also with that amount of power, you should really think about a dedicated ground wire from the amps to the front battery. The wire should match the power (POS+) wire you ran for those amps. If you do not run a dedicated ground to the battery, at least run your amp grounds directly to the frame rail.

2) Next check the voltage at the amp input when you are playing music at idle. If you are seeing drops of more than 1/2 volt during bass notes, you may need a better battery up front. (I would highly recommend a quality AGM battery, NOT an Optima. There are plenty of good brands out there. Kinetik, Deka, Odyssey, and others all make good products. Find your best deal and you will be fine.)

3) Next step would be to test the voltage with the engine revved to about 2k RPM. If that does not fix the voltage drops, then you need an upgraded alternator, about a 200a HO alt is recommended.

4) The next and final step would be to add an additional battery closer to the amps. This should only be needed if you are running over 2000W RMS.