Like the title says I'm having a bad problem with my headlights/parking lights and interior lights dimming. Its very noticable when the bass hits on my system. It even happens when the music isn't turned up loud, as long as there's bass the lights will blink. I have 0 gauge wire from the battery to the distribution block and from there 4 gauge is fed to the amps. I didn't upgrade anything else, is there onem thing causing this? I'm considering getting a new battery, but I don't want to waste money if that's not the cause. Any help is appreciated... (equipment is in my sig) Thx!

 

Buy a capacitor, most likely 1 Farad and it will solve your problem.

 

 

ditto

 

Might as well drive her over to the auto parts store, usually they'll do a free battery and alternator test. Sounds like you've strained your electrical system quite a bit, so make sure nothing is damaged. Replace what's busted or weak.

Then get a capacitor.

 

You are running a couple of good sized amps, Im running one Kicker 200.2 Amp in my 07 Type S running one 10" Kicker comp sub in a sealed enslosure(still running all stock gear in the cabin). I get no dimming at all. I have similar setups in my Z06 and Hummer and both of them dim a bit at idle. I would definately get a capacitor but it certainly wouldnt hurt to get your battery and charging system tested just to be safe.

 

Thanks for the suggestions... I 'm gonna head over to Autozone on my next day off and get everything tested. Its just strange b/c in my 2nd gen TL, I had a bigger system and never had dimming issues.

Now questions about the cap, I'm seeing some 40 Farad caps on eBay from Rockford Fosgate and other companies. Are they overkill?

 

Our systems are very similar, even down to the wiring. I have the same problem, though it's not really that bad.

I'd recommend a second battery over a capacitor - even if it's 10 farad. I'm sure there will be different opinions, but the fact is, you will completely fix your problem if you put in a second battery. I've heard many complaints from people that used a cap and still had dimming issues.

 

I've never had that problem with an oooold Infinity amp pushing a hair over 1,000 watts and the JL A6450 for the highs. Battery is probably toast.

 

get your battery checked. Also before you cash out for the cap, have you done the BIG 3 WIRE UPGRADE? If not do that first.

 

caps are useless

do the big 3 or get a better battery

 

I made an appt with the shop that did my install. I'm probably going end up getting a Kinetik Battery, but while it's there I'm going inquire about the Big 3. The problem may be the battery, because now that I think about it I remember that my battery went completely dead a few months back.

 

That's probably got a lot to do with your problem. Did you actually condition and charge the battery, or did you let the alternator charge it? If you just ran the car, your battery isn't holding much in the reserves, putting extra load on your alternator and electrical system. All the more reason to get it all checked out. Who knows, a new battery (Look into an Optima Yellow Top) might be all you need.

 

Blue, what did you end up doing? Do you have any updates on this?