Cain Marko

Hey guys, recently I've noticed some odd behavior in my 96 hatchback, when i am driving if i turn the headlights on the speedo dips to zero then back to my current speed, the radio shuts off and on and the power of the car dies for a second. After driving and shutting the car off there would be no dash lights no interior lights on and then a minute later things would start working again.

I also noted a power loss in the car before 4k rpm after recently installing a sub and amp in my car, everything in the amp is properly grounded and all new wires were run. I checked the chassis to motor ground, chassis to tranny ground, chassis to battery ground, any wiring in my fuse box and I still cant figure out what this problem is, could it just be a fault in my headlight circuit since this is the only time it happens? Also when the headlights are on sometimes the sub doesnt hit as hard as it normally does, the amp is a kenwood bridged for just the sub, 500x1 RMS and I used a 6 gauge wire for power and ground, is this too little a wire?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated thanks guys

KRock459

I would check the voltage at the battery with the vehicle running, sounds like you have some voltage issues. You will want to see 12 volts with the engine off, around 14 and change with the car running. Also ensure all the facory grounding points under the hood and under the dash are solid.

My guess is you will find a voltage issue, alternator with insufficient output or a ground.

Kirk R

Cain Marko

I was also leaning towards an alternator issue..when i would accelerate the headlights would dim and then get brighter when i let off. I was also thinking of upgrading to a better quality battery, I've never rub an amp/sub before so this is somewhat new to me.

KRock459

The extra current demand of the audio system just helped to uncover the electrical problem, sounds like you where having issues before the sub amp. Headlights will continue to work far below 12 volts, electronics on the other hand will require a minimum operating voltage or they will shut off.

Kirk R

S2Integra

TTT
That is what happen when to much current is being loaded to the system, you get power failures. Get I higher Amp battery or alt or both

Cain Marko

for a battery would an optima suffice? and where would i go about finding a better alternator? ive always just used oem

Cain Marko

ok so i tested the alternator, everything is good with that and the battery is good as well..wtf?

caryabhi1

I think your battery is exhausted. Change it, it is not giving the right voltage supply.