Why are my lights dimming...

[Mooly]

Light bulbs (in cars) are low voltage high current devices. This means that a small drop in voltage causes a very noticeable dimming. Swing the supply to a 12 volt 55 watt bulb around 12.5 to 14.5v and you see a big change in light output.

If your alternator can maintain at least 12.5 volts across the battery (give or take depending on battery electroylite specific gravity) then the battery is not going into discharge and as far as the car is concerned there isn't a problem.

[Mooly]

Originally Posted by carshateme

Well I just looked at my volt meter again..it's now sitting at 15 volts now...That's bad, isn't it?

Alternators (the voltage regulator) is temperature compensated. On a cold start (alternator cold) it can be as high as 16 volts for a short time falling away as the alternator heats up. That ensures the battery gets a real chance to recover and accept useful charge.

On a hot day with a hot engine the alternator may only average say 13.8 volts or lower... that's normal.

[carshateme]

Well I am looking at my capicator in my trunk at when I turn my car on...it's reading at 15volts even...it used to sit at 14.4v =(

[carshateme]

Originally Posted by Mooly

Alternators (the voltage regulator) is temperature compensated. On a cold start (alternator cold) it can be as high as 16 volts for a short time falling away as the alternator heats up. That ensures the battery gets a real chance to recover and accept useful charge.

On a hot day with a hot engine the alternator may only average say 13.8 volts or lower... that's normal.

That might be the case.. though it's not that cold out right now.

[Frank Berry]

Capacitor in the trunk? Why?
You might be better off having an additional battery in the trunk.

[carshateme]

Originally Posted by Frank Berry

Capacitor in the trunk? Why?
You might be better off having an additional battery in the trunk.

Please don't start w that...I know caps are basically useless...but my battery is brand new...so I'm not worried about it...when it comes down to the time when I need to replace the battery I will buy a kinect battery....just not now.

[Frank Berry]

I suggest that you remove the capacitor in your trunk and install a battery. It needn't be anything special but it will reduce the Ir loss (voltage loss due to the resistance in the power cables) and improve the performance of your audio system.

[carshateme]

Originally Posted by Frank Berry

I suggest that you remove the capacitor in your trunk and install a battery. It needn't be anything special but it will reduce the Ir loss (voltage loss due to the resistance in the power cables) and improve the performance of your audio system.

lol I have 1/0 gauge wire going thru my whole system, including the power wire for the amp and ground...so...I don't think resistance is the issue...or maybe it is..I'm not good w this crap.. I'm just a sub/amp guy, not electronic wiring. But at the moment, I'm saving my money for some sundown z12s...not worried about buying another battery. When I get the money...I'll buy one.