Installed amp and sub... Now i have lots of dimming
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Central city ky
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 401
Likes: 5
From: NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.slow
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.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Central city ky
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 401
Likes: 5
From: NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.slow
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.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: long island NY
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: long island NY
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Update: bigger cap is prolly needed. Just seen the size. Sorry.
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CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 3
From: SLC, Utah
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I never had any dimming issues going that route
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 401
Likes: 5
From: NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.slow
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.
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.


