So i just installed my new sound system in the truck, (self install, first time) 2 alpine type r 10" and a hifonix 1600watt mono amp.

I headed out on a drive tonight to massage my back and noticed my lights (dash & headlights) were flickering/dimming when the subs were being used most. When I turned it down a bit, via the amp remote, it stopped or was hardly noticeable.

I wasn't going crazy with the amp, the remote volume was maybe at 50%. I remember hearing about this before, but dont recall why it happens. None of previous car systems had this issue. So i'm assuming I did something wrong.

Any help?

power wire: 4gage
ground: 4gage
speaker wire: 10-12gage?

 

Most likely your power wire is too small along with the amps efficiency.

Your alternator is a 165amp so that's not an issue. My lights don't dim and I have a JBL/Crown BPX1100.1 1134wrms continuous and a JL450/4 which is 450w rms continuous. Lots of power and no dim. Both are class D and are very efficient.
I have 1/0ga Stinger Pro wire.
Most cheapo no name brands will claim 4ga and really be only 6 guage. You can get Kicker 4ga amp kits for $65 shipped off ebay.
When you try to pull too much current through a thin wire, you get a significant voltage drop and that causes tons of drain. Likely source of your lights dimming.

 

You can read up/get a cap as well. That's how my friend got his lights to stop flickering.

 

Yes u need a cap. Get a 2.0 farad cap off ebay for like $40 thats how i stopped my lights from goin dim and flickering in my old expedition. Get a digital one they r cooler looking,lol

 

I know I never had that issue in mine but I also did the Big 3 upgrade also so Im sure that helps. My power wire from my batts is 2/0 wire.

 

Waste of space and how often do you actually look at a cap?

At $40 for 2farad, that's $20 for each Farad. Most caps on the market are not as stated. Meaning they are smaller than 2farad most likely unless you got a name brand like RF?
Get yourself a Batcap HERE. The measurement scale is a little bit different, but it's equivelant to 100farad. 100farad at $140 is only $1.40 per farad. They will last longer than a cap as well. Most caps have a lifespan of 2-3years generally. Some last longer, but their power capacity is diminished. Same with this just like any battery, but it holds charges for loger and will last a bit longer.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I'm looking into that batcap now.

What do you mean by "the Big 3 upgrade"? Schwat is that?

 

Here is the link to mine on DT

dodge talk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254301

 

Hey weed your thing on DT says you have an SRT10 hood...How come your sig on here doesn't have a picture with it I wants to see! lol