Alternator Problems?

Jacbs2007 · Post by **Jacbs2007** » March 25th, 2006, 2:45 pm

I've been confused lately and am not sure what the cause of my problem is. I've been losing power like you wouldn't beleive, but my car ALWAYS starts. everything used to work fine but a few things have happened since I purchased the car last summer that could be the culprit.

1. Stereo system was installed
- 1400w max Sony Xplod amplifier
- (2) 12" eclipse 4 ohm subwoofers.
- Sony headunit (54wx4 max)
I had it proffessionaly installed and had no problems, but then...
2. I uninstalled everything including headunit because I got a buyer.
3. Buyer never fell through so I installed it again myself.

Then the problems began after #2 and #3. My charge battery light would come on when the car was at idle speed. and sometimes the headunit and speakers would shut off breifly, the lights dimmed as well. Then, a few weeks ago I started noticing a whining coming from the passenger side of the car While driving. The whining was faint but deffinetly noticeable while at lower rpms(Idle-1500). I didn't want to replace the Alternator incase it was just a dead battery puting strain on it, So, I replaced the battery. Everything was ok for a day, but now the charge battery light is on again and the headlights dim when the brake is applied or power windows are used. Headunit has not shut off while at idle speeds but everything else is the same. I'm not sure what the problem is though? is my system draining too much power? is my alternator dead? why does my car start perfect every day... even in 20 +/- degress? yet my charge battery light is on and my lights dim?

sorry for the novel but I wanted to cover EVERY possible cause.

-Curt-

precidian · Post by **precidian** » March 25th, 2006, 2:54 pm

sounds like it would be the alternator as the issue. Similar to this thread :http://www.mx-3.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=49934

Also, when your car is at idle, make sure everything is off and see if the charge light is still on. Another option is to check the voltage at the battery while the car is running. You should be getting a reading of approx 14 volts. If not, then your new battery is being under charged. So your old battery was fine.

Jacbs2007 · Post by **Jacbs2007** » March 25th, 2006, 3:09 pm

Yeah I read that thread and it sounded similar but at the same time completely different then my problem. my car starts perfect every morning and that's what gets me... and the battery I replaced was going on 4 yrs old so it was past due for a battery change anyhow.

the charge light goes out if i turn off all the power accessories. I'll try uninstalling the system for awhile and see if maybe that's just been pulling too much power from the battery and alternator. Maybe it's not too late to save it

-Curt-

Typhoonk · Post by **Typhoonk** » March 27th, 2006, 12:29 am

can u take a picture on how u reconnect the amp to the battery and where u grounded it

Jacbs2007 · Post by **Jacbs2007** » March 27th, 2006, 1:01 pm

Why? I am almost 100% sure I reinstalled the same way it was done by the installers. Would it make a difference if it wasn't wired the same or grounded? could that cause the battery to drain prematurely?

-Curt-

Bumpysbro · Post by **Bumpysbro** » April 13th, 2006, 9:02 pm

yes if the car isnt grounded properly to the battery then it can cause it to drain. i have 2 12's rockford speakers and a 1farad capacitor, 2 amps runnin 920w each so if its just running from the battery u might need a capacitor. cuz my idle and my lights still dim if i have it up loud. or you could just put in a bigger alternator if you have a rs its only a 65amp or buy a optima battery i got one $150 bucks. check the wires first though...

Jacbs2007 · Post by **Jacbs2007** » April 23rd, 2006, 4:12 pm

Yeah I checked the ground when I uninstalled my stereosystem and sold it, but everything seemed fine. I don't even have a headunit installed in my car at the moment but I'm still having the problems. Guess it's time to change the Alternator! bummer. Thanks for all the advice though guys

-Curt-