I just recently installed a pioneer aftermarket deck in my TL. I don't have any amp hooked up, just the 200W deck powering 4 speakers. Now, is it normal for the headlights and interior lights to dim each time the bass hits? It just seems odd to me that a non-amped deck could pull that much power. Or is it possible my battery needs to be changed?

 

sounds like your battery needs to be changed i doubt a deck can drain a battery that badly unless your listening to music without your engine running often. did you check to see if the wiring on the back of your deck is coming loose? because if they come in contact it can result in it draining your battery...but then again it would short first.

 

Ok, I'm not claiming that I'm right, but here's what I THINK...
It is possible that it drains more power than you think. Having taken a very hard E&M course this year, I remember a few things. One thing could be that the battery does have enough power, but as the bass hits each time, it's going out all 4 speakers at once, and since they are connected in parallel, the following applies:

(1) The voltage supplied stays the same across all branches of the circuit.
(2) The current supplied by the battery is divided amongst each branch.
(3) The inverse of the total resistance in the circuit is equal to the sum of the inverse of the resistance of each branch of the circuit.

What I think is happening is that the speakers are drawing too much current. It's probably some complication involving (2) and (3). When the bass hits, the speakers are drawing their maximum current, and if you have the lights going at the same time, this may be barely over what the "comfort zone" for the battery is before you start losing power. The easiest fix is turning down the bass (but who wants to do that ).
Another thing you could try is scrape down your battery terminals with a steel brush. The buildup increases direct resistance (since the battery is in series), which lowers your total current available. Anyway, just a thought. :thinking:

 

I wonder if there's capacitors that you could install to store charge for the highest output times?

 

Yeah, I think it's a problem with the battery as well. I can't imagine a non-amped deck being able to pull that much power. I'll get my battery tested and see what they say. Thanks for the info.

 

Bass capacitors fix this exact problem

 

Yeah, you can either get a Cap, or you might want to check your alternator even. I know its pretty expensive, but I have a 200Watt deck powering my four speakers, and another 600 watts...and my lights dont fade a bit when my bass hits. My old car lights used to dim a little at idle...that was the alternator...I suppose it could easily be your battery too. I'd have it tested out to make sure. you can usually get that done for free somewhere like an Auto Zone or something like that.

 

My old Accord had no problem with a 180 watt system, even with some bass. Thats with an '88 carbeurated model, still put out plenty of power for the defogger, headlights, interior lighting, system, wipers and A/C

So if you're having a problem, its either your alternator/battery or your sound system's setup.