Voltage drop; better ground location needed maybe?

WakeNBake520

CarAudio.com Recruit
34
2
US
So I’m trying to figure out why my 05 Titan is losing so much voltage even though I feel I’m hardly straining the system.

-have done big 3 with 2/0
-have 2 amps
-Alpine MRX-M240 only at just below 1/4 gain or ‘9 o’clock)
-kenwood KAC-6401 up all the way (almost)
-yellow top optima battery

-2/0 wire to the amp and also for the ground for Alpine
-6ga for power/ground for the kenwood

I can literally have my volume up to 30 out of 60 and when I go below 20mph, worst at idle, my voltage on panel shows going from 14ish to around 10-11ish. (Meter doesn’t have exact measurements but judging the scaling n pin location).

My thinking is that my system shouldn’t be straining for the demand on it but, maybe I’m wrong.Possibly the fact that my amp grounds go to the cabin shell (floor area) is the cause? Should they go to the actual frame? Would that help? Any info/advice would be welcomed and appreciated.
 
Another thing I just wanted to throw in there; would having a second battery fix the issue? Or do I just need a H/O alternator? Or both?
 
A poor connection, corrosion, the type of wire being used, the diameter or gauge of the wire, and the distance between the source and the load can all cause resistance in wiring.

If it were me, I'd go over every single nut/bolt and make sure everything is tight. 90% of time voltage drop is caused by a lose/poor connection somewhere...and can lead to further troubles such as melting of fuse holders, and wiring.

Also make sure the battery is in good condition. Have it load tested too if you can or if it's new within a few to several months.
 
Ok will do.

Just to be clear you mean both physically checking screws etc for looseness and corrosion but also doing voltage test on power (and ground?) using DMM on Ohms and testing with one probe before and after each connection while off right? And each test along the way should be reading less than .1?

Battery was replaced less than 9 months ago and haven’t had the large amp hooked up until the last few weeks. Still get it tested To be sure though?
 
Activity
No one is currently typing a reply...
Old Thread: Please note, there have been no replies in this thread for over 3 years!
Content in this thread may no longer be relevant.
Perhaps it would be better to start a new thread instead.

About this thread

WakeNBake520

CarAudio.com Recruit
Thread starter
WakeNBake520
Joined
Location
US
Start date
Participants
Who Replied
Replies
5
Views
1,831
Last reply date
Last reply from
WakeNBake520
1778578257023.png

Glen Rodgers

    May 12, 2026
  • 0
  • 0
Screenshot_20260511_212804_Amazon Shopping.jpg

Blackout67

    May 11, 2026
  • 0
  • 0

New threads

Top