Hey,
I dont know to much about batteries but my TL is draning alot of power. I have 600 watt amp, 2 12 800 RMS, Fog Lights, Alarm System hooked up. If I unlock the doors manually all the lights inside the car will dim, If I turn my system on the lights will kind of dance to the music. I am in the process of adding a PS2 and Stock Navigation to my car. What is the best way to go about this. Altanator, Capcitor? Austin? Thanx

 

Asif2002:
Ha ha you needed an ATTN: Austin519 in that title

"What is the best way to go about this. Altanator, Capcitor? Austin?"

I don't think adding me to your car will help heh heh...but it doesn't sound like you're drawing that much power. The only things you needed to mention were ones that drew power...aka the 2 12" 800W rms subs aren't necessary. However I would like to know the amp model. Some of the worst 600W amps I have seen only draw 50A. The fog lights are 50W ish so that's not much at all...the alarm system also isn't a significant current drawer...neither is the PS2 or navi. All total that's probably the 50A of the amp + maybe another 30A. You're still in the clear. I assume that amp is just for the subs...so now the question is do you need a cap or an alternator?

The noninvasive way to determine this is to see how your power system reacts...play your amp like you normally would...with the lights dimming and all. If your lights always recover, and say you do this for like 2 hours...and your whole system is still fine...then you don't have a power issue, you have a conductance issue. What I mean, is that you're getting a voltage drop because the alternator can't instantly conduct some surge of power to the amp when it needs it, so you have a voltage drop, causing the lights to dim. Installing a cap will provide that immediate power. Go install a Lightning Audio 1 farad Strike Digital (my favorite) cap in your car. Don't bother with anything else. Wire the + in with the + wire going to the amp, and ground the -. You should be set.

If your system doesn't recover, and your car dies, or your lights stay dim...then you have a power issue. Your alternator isn't supplying enough current to keep your car alive. Then you'll need a new alternator...but honestly you don't have enough stuff for this to be the case. Go get that cap I suggested, and run with it.

Austin519

 

I thought it would be a cap. Thanx alot bro. Im gonna hit you up with a PM. Peace

 

Asif2002:
Sure man np. Lemme go check them.

Austin519