Battery Related?

[bbq1988]

Hey guys, i just installed a new stereo system into my car, when im listning to my music at night (not to loud, i can hear myself sing) all of my lights will pulse to the sub. maybe its time to look at the alternator?

Cheers
BBQ

[DeeCee]

if you are listening while the car is off then the alternator isn't the problem as its not generating any energy so you shuold be looking at the storage..

What battery do you have currently in your car?

recommendations: usual advice - a deep cycle, high capacity battery will see you right.

Exide orbitals, optima etc

If you don't have the pingas for it, look at heavy duty batteries with 500 or more CCA and high amp hours

[Bling]

to check ya alternator, when running, check across the terminals how many volts are being produced. should be 13-15v with multimeter.

i'm not up on sounds as never had any in my cars (factory stereo excluded) so maybe do this test with stereo off and stereo on and compare readings.

but anyways, if battery shows 13-15 volts when cars running, alternator is fine.

[darkwolf]

Have the same thing in my Corona. Installed a Cap and problem ran away.

[Alex B]

Cap = band aid fix.

[Jonno2002]

make sure you have decent sized wiring for a start (battery to amp), 8 guage is ok for small amps (150w rms) but if youve got a decent sized amp (250w rms +) then look at using 4gauge wiring, also make sure your sub wiring (amp to sub) is thick too, i use 8 guage wire for my sub. and of course make sure you have good thick grounds from engine to body and battery to body. all these things will make a lot of difference trust me. and yes having a good sized battery helps too 400cca+ should do it.

try all that first then worry about the alt