using a cap for my car's electrical

[ninjatek 10+ year member]

sometimes I notice, with my stereo off, that when I kick on the AC, roll down my windows, etc, that my headlights will dim... I know I need a new battery, but I was wondering if putting a small .5 or 1 farad cap inline for my car's electrical would be safe and ok?

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[SWEET06CAMRY 10+ year member]

sometimes I notice, with my stereo off, that when I kick on the AC, roll down my windows, etc, that my headlights will dim... I know I need a new battery, but I was wondering if putting a small .5 or 1 farad cap inline for my car's electrical would be safe and ok?

The cap would help your battery recharge faster.. If your battery it's already crapping out then I don't see the point of getting a cap....

 

[revrider1 5,000+ posts]

It would be safe, but will not help the situation you have.

 

[ravendarat 10+ year member]

The cap would help your battery recharge faster.. If your battery it's already crapping out then I don't see the point of getting a cap....

Um wrong, a cap wont help a battery charge any faster

 

[spudracer326 10+ year member]

my cars lights dimm when I first click on alot of different accessories when I am just idleing, But they dont stay dimmed...it has done this since it was new(before stereo) and I was told it is because of the small alternator honda puts on there cars.....but it really only does this wehn I am running my lights/ac/cruise turned on and listening to the radio and the like all at once........I wouldent put a cap as it isnt meant for long term output but rather short bursts and it adds one more thing for the alternator to charge.....what cured this problem for me was doing the big 3 in 1/0 and adding a yellow top....Hope this helps

 

[ninjatek 10+ year member]

It would be safe, but will not help the situation you have.

why not? if the use of the electricals is causing a brief voltage sag, wouldnt the cap provide the extra juice to prevent that?

 

[ravendarat 10+ year member]

I would replace the battery first, then if it still happens than it might help to put in a cap.

 

[spudracer326 10+ year member]

I would do big 3 then battery...big 3 did it for me then the battery just gave me more protection....

 

[revrider1 5,000+ posts]

why not? if the use of the electricals is causing a brief voltage sag, wouldnt the cap provide the extra juice to prevent that?

It will help you stereo system, but not much I think they are useless. Get a battery first, my car did the same for a while. My problem of all things was a bad factory ground under my hood.

 

[DBfan187 5,000+ posts]

http://www.carsound.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60496