i drive a saturn and am not sure what if my stock alternator is powerfull enuff to run 2 batteries, but i cant get it upgraded becuz these alts have a known history or burning out when upgraded. can anyone help me in letting me know if my alt is strong enuff to power two batteries. i think its running 85 amps at idle, any more than that i dont know!

thanks

 

a second battery is a load on the alternator. it will surely kill your alt

 

An extra battery will put a constant load of 10-15 amps extra. If the alt is any less than 80 amps I'd replace it. I mean you could wait it out until it dies, but I don't wish it on anyone to have their car break down in the middle of almost nowhere. It happened to me when mine died, but I had no serious stereo or second battery at the time.

 

ok then how do i go about curing dimming headlights?

 

You upgrade your altenator. After market ones can be purchased or you can go to a wrecker and find a bigger one that will fit or can be modded to fit. You could be looking at close to $500 or more depending where you go. I would try the wreckers first and if that fails then you'll have to go after market.

 

Or better yet, make sure your grounds are good and sufficient.

 

ok thanks guys

i have another question tho, does anybody know of any Audiobahn dealers in the toronto area?
or even visionik dealers would be kool too, thanks

 

I know 2001 Audio Video carries Audiobahn. Can't help you with the other brand.

 

jinx, buy visonik stuff used from either here or, do i dare say it, Sound domain... i got mine from a guy on this bored for a great price.

as for the two batteries on one small alternator. will i be able to have two hooked up, shut car off, blurp it out, and then shut all system down, let car sit, and recharge batteries for next run? im only doing this for one comp, and wondering if thatd be fine, as long as teh car isnt running..