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Lights dimming to the beat
Posted: March 22nd, 2002, 9:47 pm
by canadian_ice
Does this mean I need a new more powerful alternator, or can mine be fixed?<P>Please tell me it just needs fixing

<p>[ March 22, 2002: Message edited by: canadian_ice ]
Re: Lights dimming to the beat
Posted: March 22nd, 2002, 9:51 pm
by Custommx3
YOu need a cap.. 1 would suggest a 1 farad capacitor. from the amp to your battery. <P><A HREF="
http://www.barrykclark.com/rs/capacitor.htm" TARGET=_blank>
http://www.barrykclark.com/rs/capacitor.htm</A><P>thats mine.<P>It helped me. <BR>How many watts is/are your amp(s)?
Re: Lights dimming to the beat
Posted: March 22nd, 2002, 10:00 pm
by canadian_ice
Barry,<P>It's a 200 watt lightning audio amp. <P>How much does the capacitor cost?<P>P.S. My headlights dim when I press the brake too (have since I got the car).<p>[ March 22, 2002: Message edited by: canadian_ice ]
Re: Lights dimming to the beat
Posted: March 22nd, 2002, 10:08 pm
by VizualXTC
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by canadian_ice:<BR><STRONG>Barry,<P>It's a 200 watt lightning audio amp. <P>How much does the capacitor cost?<P>P.S. My headlights dim when I press the brake too (have since I got the car).<P>[ March 22, 2002: Message edited by: canadian_ice ]</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>If you're only running 200W a .5 farad will be just fine. Also, It may be your alternator if your lights dim when you press the brake. I'd get your alternator checked out before you buy tha capacitor becuz 200W shouldn't dim the lights. I'm runnin 600W with no cap and it's just barely dimming. Un-noticably with the heads, but I can see it in the deck.
Re: Lights dimming to the beat
Posted: March 22nd, 2002, 10:13 pm
by canadian_ice
Thanks Vizual - it's due in for a service at the end of the month so I'll my mechanic to check it out.<P>I just got the subs installed yesterday (my first subs ever - yay!) and I can't believe how amazing they sound. I'm used to stock speakers with no amp, so making the switch to 2 12's in the trunk is amazing! I only just noticed the dimming because it was nighttime.<P>Thanks again guys!
Re: Lights dimming to the beat
Posted: March 23rd, 2002, 12:13 pm
by ghandi1981
i am pushin close to 1200 watts and i have an svr battery in the trunk...little if any dimming..altough my lights do dim a lil when i too push on the brakes...<P>AJ
Re: Lights dimming to the beat
Posted: April 10th, 2002, 10:40 pm
by houstonmx3
i heard that getting a dry cell battery helps alot with systems and the dimming. i have 2 12's 2 amps and all my highs redone, crossover and a 1 farad capacitor. the capacitor helped alot, but i'm going to try out the dry cell battery and see what happens
Re: Lights dimming to the beat
Posted: April 12th, 2002, 5:05 pm
by BumpNGlow
that seems to be a very common problem w/ MX3s(brakes dimming lights). My lights dim when I try to roll up both widnows while they are up, too.... I think its my battery, but it could also be the alternator... I need to take it up to Auto Zone to have it checked today... but I am VERY lazy....