How should i go about this problem
#1
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How should i go about this problem
Alright, heres a little problem, When i turn on the parking lights or headlights the lights to my stereo dim alot, and when i get on the brakes, the lights in the gauges dim a little too.
I just replaced the battery with a new one.
I think its the alternator so i bought a used one.
But i havent installed the alternator yet so i dont know for sure if thats it, what else is there that i can look at? Or what should i might as well upgrade if im gonna be replaceing a bunch of parts on my car anyways? maybe HyperGround wires?
I just replaced the battery with a new one.
I think its the alternator so i bought a used one.
But i havent installed the alternator yet so i dont know for sure if thats it, what else is there that i can look at? Or what should i might as well upgrade if im gonna be replaceing a bunch of parts on my car anyways? maybe HyperGround wires?
#3
possibly bad battery cable or poor connection with the new battery?
next, test the alternator for voltage. with the car running, take a voltmeter to the battery cable. it should be something like 13-14 volts. if it's low, your alternator should be replaced.
next, test the alternator for voltage. with the car running, take a voltmeter to the battery cable. it should be something like 13-14 volts. if it's low, your alternator should be replaced.
#5
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sounds like the alt. just in case check the grounds, clean and tighten bat cables. If that doesn't help then turn on every accessory including the wipers and check for low voltage. Good luck
#6
Fast + Reliable = $$$$$
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I have the same problem...just got a new alternator but no luck at all...Ive had this problem ever since I bought the car 3 years ago!
Going to do the battery relocation this next week and change all my grounds...I'll let you guys know if that'll fix the dim...
Going to do the battery relocation this next week and change all my grounds...I'll let you guys know if that'll fix the dim...
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#9
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Did you check for voltage drop for the alt to the battery. Measure the voltage at the alt terminal and at the pos terminal of the battery, if there is a noticeable drop try running another wire from the alt directly to the postive terminal. Leave the original wire in there.
#12
Perpetual Rebuilder
Most stereos are designed to dim when you turn your lights on. There is a wire (usually yellow i think) that goes into your stereo harness (usually something called illumination) that will change the brightness of the deck according to the lights. When you turn your lights on the stereo manufacturers make the assumption that it is dark out. Therefore they dim their equipment so it wont be harshly bright compared to your other illuminated equipment.
Now you are correct when you say you have a problem when you hit the brakes it dims the lights...those are supposed to be unrelated. Sounds like a short to me or a loose wire.
Shawn
Now you are correct when you say you have a problem when you hit the brakes it dims the lights...those are supposed to be unrelated. Sounds like a short to me or a loose wire.
Shawn
#13
The Power of 1.3
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Originally posted by TwinTurbo93
What's so stupid about that?
What's so stupid about that?
Originally posted by PhatManBUD
ooo, ok any suggestions on where to get cheap ground wires?
ooo, ok any suggestions on where to get cheap ground wires?
You can actually make your own with SS braided straps, and some nice copper connectors. But thats more work.
#14
So, PhatManBUD, did any of these things help you out?
I have been having the same problem, too. Interior switch all the way up and when I hit the brakes, the headlights dim until I let off the brakes....
I have been having the same problem, too. Interior switch all the way up and when I hit the brakes, the headlights dim until I let off the brakes....
#17
Im a tall midget.
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You can also go to a stereo shop and buy the wire there. Get atleast 10 gauge wire and some ring terminals. I've done that with all my cars. 10 feet of wire and ring terminals came out to $20 dollars which is way better than paying $150 for the same thing in a fancy box. Check the archives for Damians post on grounding. It gives you a good idea where to put your ground wires.
#19
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yes my does the same hitting the brakes dims everything, does anyone know the normal voltage, my power fc reads around 11.8-13.0 when the car is on depending on what is on.
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