Optima Hookup? Really Bad Dimming Headlights!

[Myk]

Since I installed my system a couple weeks ago, I noticed my headlights dim really bad when I crank it.

So I was searching looking for others with dimming headlight issues and it seems the general consensus is to upgrade the battery not just install a capacitor.

Does anyone have any hookups for Optima or other battery manufacturers that would help with my dimming headlight issues. Or whats the bast place to get a good deal on one.

Im assuming the yellow top is the one I would go with?

[CrazyCaker]

Replacing the battery will do ***k all. Doesn't matter if it's an Optima yellow top or a shitty CT one, your lights will still dim.

[Myk]

^^^And the capacitor is just a 'band-aid fix'?

[Myk]

I just did a web search...Holy crap, these things are like $200????
:eek:

[CrazyCaker]

^ actually the yellow is MORE. The red top is $200.

Cap will do ***k all too. Get HIDs.

[red-i]

not true necessarily. my cap eliminated my dimming when i was running halogens...but then again i'm only drawing about 280wrms. get HIDs myk!

[ESsedan01]

I just did a web search...Holy crap, these things are like $200????
:eek:

Nah...go to Costco or Walmart. I believe the price for a red top at Walmart is between $135-150. It's been a few months since I checked last.

[Myk]

I'd rather get HIDs then spend $300 on a battery.

Im running 60W RMS x 4 from my Sony and 300W RMS x 1 from my Alphasonik.

[thekid]

179 from Walmart from the Red Top last time I checked.

[Myk]

When is MOSI gonna start selling HIDs?

LOL!

[MS MSP]

179 from Walmart from the Red Top last time I checked.

Yeah, saw it last night for $180'ish at Wallyworld

[ESsedan01]

I'd rather get HIDs then spend $300 on a battery.

Im running 60W RMS x 4 from my Sony and 300W RMS x 1 from my Alphasonik.

Dimming HIDs will look pimp...maybe like strobes??:p

[sstuart]

You can already dance to myk's headlights:p

[ESsedan01]

I'd rather get HIDs then spend $300 on a battery.

Im running 60W RMS x 4 from my Sony and 300W RMS x 1 from my Alphasonik.

That's not much power for your head lights to dim. Maybe your battery is already on it's last legs to begin with.

All those nights showing off headlight & fog light bulbs without the engine running perhaps.;) :D

[Myk]

That's not much power for your head lights to dim. Maybe your battery is already on it's last legs to begin with.

All those nights showing off headlight & fog light bulbs without the engine running perhaps.;) :D

It could be...the car is over 5 years old.

Yeah i was really surprised when i first noticed it...mind you it was really cranked up!

[ESsedan01]

^ How is the power running from one amp to the other? Main power running to a distribution block?

What gauge wire did you use for the ground for each amp?

[CrazyCaker]

The red top is $189.95 at Walmart, this is the up-to-date price.

[CrazyCaker]

540 wrms total is MORE then enough to dim your lights. Besides that, it's not WATTS that dim your lights, it's the AMPRES your drawing that causes it.

[Myk]

^ How is the power running from one amp to the other? Main power running to a distribution block?

What gauge wire did you use for the ground for each amp?

4g from batt to centre console. Splitter to two 8g, one amp under each seat.

[Myk]

I calculated around 65-75 amps for the Sony and 50-60 for the Alphasonik...if I did the math right.

[ESsedan01]

540 wrms total is MORE then enough to dim your lights. Besides that, it's not WATTS that dim your lights, it's the AMPRES your drawing that causes it.

That's what I was getting to.

I have a 800w 2 channel and my lights don't dim.:rolleyes:

Mike, a easy way to figure out the max amps your system is drawing from the battery is add up the numbers on the fuses of both amplifiers.

[CrazyCaker]

I have a 800w 2 channel and my lights don't dim.:rolleyes:

yeah well if you adjust your gain, and turn it up, they will without a doubt.

[slowbird]

It could be...the car is over 5 years old.

Yeah i was really surprised when i first noticed it...mind you it was really cranked up!


LOL....yea...that was funny.

"Hey...your system sounds good!
Wait....are you headlights dimming?!" LOL :p

[ESsedan01]

yeah well if you adjust your gain, and turn it up, they will without a doubt.

Werd...yo!

[typhoonk]

installed 4 gauge from battery -> amps
did you do step two and use 4 gauge from your negative battery terminal to chassy or is it still the stock strap? Easy upgrade.

Also check your headlights grounding points for rust - even a clean up on them might work.

or get a voltmeter and test your battery and charging system
1. run car till warm with no load (about 5 to 15 min)
2. check voltage at battery should be about 14 to 14.6 volts (ideal)
3. turn on headlights, blower motor and sound system
4. if voltage drops below 13.2 volts or lower - you gots a charging problem(continue to step five)
if not your golden :>

5. turn car off
6. let stand for half hour or so (check voltage, should be 12.2 -12.66 volts)
7. turn on headlights and blower and sound system
8. If voltage on battery (with car off) drops below 9 volts (10 is even bad) or so it might be time for a new battery


if you reached step 8 and you plan on replacing your battery - it's always a good idea to bring you battery and alternator to canadian tire or similiar place that will do a free or cheap alternator or battery test (then you can be sure!!):D

Good luck

[Myk]

installed 4 gauge from battery -> amps
did you do step two and use 4 gauge from your negative battery terminal to chassy or is it still the stock strap? Easy upgrade.


Hmmmm? Never thought about this!

[Junior]

Myk,

upgrade your shit, if you want to be able to pump that ish, even when you're parked.

I blasted m stock battery for 2 years and it took a serious beating. On the 3rd spring. it was toast, couldn't even hold a charge. Do the yellow-top and slap a cap in there. and never look back!

You could take the 'cheap' way out and just have to deal with more headache's and 'what-if's ... If you can afford to be left stranded with no battery, in the middle of nowhere, then ya, ride it out till it dies, but if you don't .. then do the right thing.





(... and get some NOS)

[.miKEy.]

ther is a number of things that will help, the big 3, a cap, larger gauge wire, run your ground back to the battery itself

[RicecookerP5]

... then do the right thing.





(... and get some NOS)


or get a life