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Installed amp and sub... Now i have lots of dimming

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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 11:31 AM
  #1  
Bonanza_rambler's Avatar
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From: Central city ky
Year: 1988
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Engine: 4.0
Default Installed amp and sub... Now i have lots of dimming

I installed and amp last night and now I have lots of dimming in dash and dome lights...may volt gauge still says 14 v and doesn't move... Btw I have a 1 fraud capacitor
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 11:35 AM
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You should post more details. Battery type/size/amps, amp size/watts, speakers subs details, what kind of wiring and gauge of it. The cap is a waste of money and not going to do anything for you.
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 12:05 PM
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Amp is a 820 watt probably an actual 300 watt wire is 00 gauge welding lead(was free) and sub is a pioneer premier 10 battery is standard size and factory alt...the ride is a 88 xj...had the same set up minus the cap in a liberty with no problem on lots smaller wire
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 07:34 PM
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Check the amp draw on your battery when the system causes the dimming. The alt may not be keeping up with it. Batt might be old. You can have the proper amount of voltage but not enough amps. I'd start there. I'd also ditch the cap. Post your results.
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 07:43 PM
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Go get urself a capicator. There not expensive. It will stop the draw on the altenator and battery when the subs hit at high bass. Ive done plenty of audio. In older veichles a capicator is much needed. U will instantly see the difference.
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 1998redxj
Go get urself a capicator. There not expensive. It will stop the draw on the altenator and battery when the subs hit at high bass. Ive done plenty of audio. In older veichles a capicator is much needed. U will instantly see the difference.
Update: bigger cap is prolly needed. Just seen the size. Sorry.
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 08:00 PM
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The 00 wire might be a culprit too
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 09:53 PM
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Y would the wire cause it?
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 11:08 PM
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Originally Posted by 1998redxj
Go get urself a capicator. There not expensive. It will stop the draw on the altenator and battery when the subs hit at high bass. Ive done plenty of audio. In older veichles a capicator is much needed. U will instantly see the difference.
X2 I've always done 1 Farat per 1000Watt

I never had any dimming issues going that route
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 05:50 AM
  #10  
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I was saying the wire because you said everything worked fine in another vehicle except you used different wiring and didn't have the cap. I've had the issue in a couple vehicles using cheap/ improper parts. Now i use an optima battery/ or similar, quality sub/amp (4ga) wiring and beefier alternator in other vehicles and never had the problem again. A stock battery is meant to handle the load of stock components. When you add load to the vehicle I think you should upgrade the electronic system. Sure, while adding small components it may work with the stock but you are using quite a bit with a 800 watt amp especially during loud/ heavy bass type playing.
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:05 AM
  #11  
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Do the big 3 and pick up a better battery like optima or kinetics
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 10:25 AM
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That's the problem. You have a fraud capacitor.
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 10:52 AM
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you dont need a bigger capacitor it truly only mask the problem. (i know i run a 3 farad cap and my voltage still drops even with a new battery and alt (120amp)). running 00 gauge wire is a good move because it has no resistance. now the big 3 is always a good idea because the stock wiring dosnt let you get the peak out of your alt.
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 01:04 PM
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From: Central city ky
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Took the cap out now I have almost no dim...thanks for all the help!!!
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 01:20 PM
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capacitors are a waste.. lol glad your problem is fixed.
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