Need help with possible power issue
 

Hey there.

I've just done some sound upgrades to my 2001 sunfire. More specifically what I added are the following;

*Clarion APX1301 420W (320W RMS) Mono Amp
http://www.clarion.com/ca/en/products/2009/audio/amplifiers/APX1301/ca-en-product-pf_1172413303178.html

-> Running a couple mid range subs I picked up. They're 2000W Peak, can't find RMS rating.

*Jackhammer 404 4Ch Amp
http://www.mtx.com/caraudio/products/amplifiers/JH404_amp.cfm

Everything sounds and runs fine. There's nothing out of the ordinary. What I have noticed though, and it's pretty minor. Is that when I have my system at a decent volume and I'm somewhere totally pitch dark (like my garage) the headlights do dim a bit when the bass hits.

Like I said it's a very small dim, one that you can't notice even when your out in the middle of night. But if it's dark enough you can see it.

Thing is I do have a 0.5 farad cap on it now, though it is just some walmart brand one (it looked cool, wasn't the most scientific decision). I know you should upgrade the alternator, or add batteries. But this is just a sunfire and that kind of $$ isn't really worth puting into the thing.

So to wrap this up. All I need to know is if this is really an issue. And if so, can it be solved (like for 2 years) by getting a better/larger cap... or another cheap fix.

Thanks for the help in advance. ^^

*bump*

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thankss in advance ^^

a larger cap should fix this problem.. think of a capacitor as an in-line power storage unit.. it stores power from your battery so that when bass hits its not drawing power directly from your electrical system in your car but instead ulling power from the capacitor.. also what gauge wires are you running? and how much power do you have running to your subs?

disconnect that cap and check again

Do the big three and call it a day! search the big 3 and u will figure it out.