Should I get another battery?

[Toodaggonhigh72]

Ok My specs are listed as far as audio components...I think that my problem is my alternator because my lights have been dimming for a while and I have a capacitor already installed. So when I try to start my car I hear one click and some times it will click like my a machine gun. click click click...and my doors chime when I open them with the key and the interior lights come on...I dont' think its the battery because this wouldn't happen....Can somebody tell me if this is my alternator.
I Got My car started today...The question is do I still need to replace that battery or get a nother battery like a Optima Yellow top for my trunk? To get rid of LIghts dimming

[BNICOV]

Get your charging system checked. Could be your battery is weak or your alternator is. You shouldn't have much problems with power unless you are running REALLY serious audio equip. (in excess of 600 watts) with big subs etc.... A simple load test for the battery and a charging test for your alternator will determine if one of them is dying. Also, don't crank 'er up unless the car is running.

[95mushroom]

I think you have two isolated problems. The starting problem doesn't sound related to the alternator because the alternator does work till the car is running. I think you may have a loose/broken wire somewhere. My previous steering column buzzed and even smoked once before I replaced it.

You are drawing 800 watts so there is a decent amount of powering running though there. I really don't have too bad of voltage loss while mine set-up's going. Just a little bit of dimming while deep notes are being hit. A capacitor is just suppose help out a system, not be the power source. What farad is yours? I feel 1 farad for every 500 watts. A better battery will definetly things help out.

[Marc]

If you hear a noise like a machine gun when you crank the engine, that's the starter solenoid doing that because it's not getting enough voltage to fully engage.
Cause of that = weak battery.


________________

GM!!! BRING BACK OLDS!!!

[MONEYMARK23]

I would say if you have the extra money go ahead and get the Optima yellow top. It will help your stereo system perform with ease. I would recommend the D34/78. It's one of three Optima yellows offered with GM style posts (the biggest).

My problem is the same only way beyond. After playing my subs loud for 10 seconds or so the car's voltage will drop to 10.5, my 140 amp circuit breaker will pop, and my 20 farad capacitor shuts off compleately. I am currently running 3 amps with over 2400 watts RMS and pushing 4 Alpine type R 12's.

I think it's time for me to off the stock battery!

[Mr. Javi]

If the Optima battery does not solve the dimming problem, you might need to look to a higher voltage alternator.

[MONEYMARK23]

Well, I just went and got the Optima d34/78 Yellow top and it didn't seem to do much. Yesterday was another SPL contest and although I scored fairly high I couldn't play it loud for more than 10 seconds without the voltage dropping. Everyone at the event recommended a high output alternator to solve the problem.

They explained it as this: your stock alternator is designed to run everything in your car and a little something extra, like if you were to plug something into the cigarette lighter. But once you hook up all of this car audio equiptment it's too hard for the alternator to keep recharging your battery quickly enough. So getting a high output alternator will keep the voltage up and a lot more steady with ease.

[Mr. Javi]

A higher voltage alternator shoyld do the trick, let me know how much they go for.

[MONEYMARK23]

I was quoted $175 installed for a 200 amp chrome alternator. It's too bad the alternator is burried so nobody will even see it's chrome.

[Snoman002]

A higher voltage alternator shoyld do the trick

I higher amperage alternator is what you are looking for.