Power fluctuations in recently installed system

[Dokken21]

Have a 2000 watt system that was recently installed to my 97 Dodge Ram truck. Everything is perfect, except I'm getting annoying drops in power. The sudden drops of bass and overall volume do not cause any feedback or popping of speakers/subs. The bass and volume gradually return after a few seconds. The LED display on the cap shows a slight drop when the problem occurs - from 13.5 volts to 13.4. The problem does occur frequently when I turn on another electrical device, including cruise control, air conditioning, and applying the brakes also causes it. However, the problem has also occurred driving down the road at 55 without ANY other electrical device on. The system has a 200 amp alternator providing current, and a 2.4 farad cap to help with power needs. Is it possible that this is not enough? The Dodge factory alternator I removed puts out 117 amps....figured a 200 amp alt. and the 2.4 cap would be plenty of power... The installer and I are stumped... Anyone have suggestions?

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[OKLAGMCRUISER 10+ year member]

sounds like voltage regulator issues...

 

[bri487 5,000+ posts]

Have a 2000 watt system that was recently installed to my 97 Dodge Ram truck. Everything is perfect, except I'm getting annoying drops in power. The sudden drops of bass and overall volume do not cause any feedback or popping of speakers/subs. The bass and volume gradually return after a few seconds. The LED display on the cap shows a slight drop when the problem occurs - from 13.5 volts to 13.4. The problem does occur frequently when I turn on another electrical device, including cruise control, air conditioning, and applying the brakes also causes it. However, the problem has also occurred driving down the road at 55 without ANY other electrical device on. The system has a 200 amp alternator providing current, and a 2.4 farad cap to help with power needs. Is it possible that this is not enough? The Dodge factory alternator I removed puts out 117 amps....figured a 200 amp alt. and the 2.4 cap would be plenty of power... The installer and I are stumped... Anyone have suggestions?

dude you got somethin really ****ed up. i would remove everything (wiring and all) and start over from scratch. first i would start with the alternator and leave the system out to isolate the problem a little better.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

get a load check on that alt at autozone. Sounds like something might be up with it. Do you hear any squealing from it?

 

[Dokken21]

I am suspicious of the company I bought the alternator from - a place called "MEan Green" in Pennsylvania. However, my mechanic (the best mechanic I have ever had) tested the alternator the moment we installed it and could find nothing wrong with it. He connected a voltimeter and it gave a reading of around 14 volts - he said that is somewhat higher than a typical factory truck alternator. The alternator has not made any squealing sounds that I can remember. In addition, the cruise control stopped working in my truck today - specifically the cruise control cable locked the throttle on me, nearly causing me to crash - I am wondering if this alternator somehow caused it. There seems to be an awful lot of electrical issues since the system (and alternator) were installed. Can you provide more information on what a "load check" is? Is this something my mechanic could do?

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

cruise control cable isn't controlled by the alternator. its a mechanical function.

I trust mean green. Some of the best alts out there. I would question your mechanics ability. sounds like he might have f-ed something up.

 

[Dokken21]

You might trust mean green, but my experience with them was not a positive one. I don't trust them at all. I have many doubts about the reliability of this alternator I purchased from them. Since the purchase, I have seen many complaints about their company online and with the Better Business Bureau, fyi. As for my mechanic, I watched him remove the factory alt. and install this one. It looked like a fairly simple and routine thing. I really don't think that is the issue. At any rate, thanks for the info about the cruise control cable. Can you explain what you mean by "load check"?

 

[OKLAGMCRUISER 10+ year member]

get a load check on that alt at autozone. Sounds like something might be up with it. Do you hear any squealing from it?

exactly what I was going to follow up with. Autozone can check the alt in or out of the vehicle, but it is preferable to have it installed...as they will check the battery as well.

Pat

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

Not sure if this would matter or not but did you upgrade the big 3 when you installed the new alt?

 

[Dokken21]

What are the big 3? Assume you mean the battery- what else?