Hello everyone, thought maybe some of you might have some suggestions on my newest issue. I have an 05 Magnum running 2 JL Audio 10w7 drivers. 2 JL Audio 500/1 amps and 1 JL Audio 300/4 amp. I have upgraded the ground to 0-gauge wire and use the best quality wiring throughout the system. I run a 6.5v Pioneer Premier head unit. I started to have a BAD dimming issue so I took it to have the batteries and alt checked; there were no problems with either. I added a second deep cycle battery (0 gauge wiring as well) and still have really bad draw even when the system is not hitting hard. I have had everything metered and all looks good, so what is the problem?? Any suggestions? I have used this same stereo set up in my Durango and never had this issue. I have even sent my amps back to JL to have them checked by the factory.

Last week, just for grins I took shut down all the amps but 1 500/1 and only ran one sub, still getting horrible draw, to the point it is hard to drive at night with the headlights flickering.

Any input would be great, I have had several show cars and NEVER had this issue in the past.

Thanks!!

 

i would say that u need to get your self some caps they cost a little but r worth it, what theyll do is store power and use it for when the bass is hit'n hard.. thats what fixed my lights ..any good audio shop will have them.
good luck

 

Buy a 5 Farad Cap. Get one made by Alumapro. Only caps really worth getting...

 

I'm guessing your ground wire has a bad connection with the frame or batteryso has too much resistance. Or it could be the positive. Either way a bad connection can reduce power to this point. Not so much your sound system but the trucks system. The problem is affecting the entire electrical output of your truck. I've had several cars that seemed Ok but during max power draw the battery acted like it was dead.

Since it worked once before without a cap then why would a cap solve it now?

 

Thanks for all the input everyone. I am looking into the ground and the cap. I will let you know how it turns out.

Here is some pics of the install if it helps shed some light on things.


http://www.slefever.com/

thanks again!

 

Do the Big-Three:
Add the following 3 wires using 1/0 wire...
Alternator Lead to positive battery
Chassis Ground to Negative Battery
Engine Block Ground to Negative battery

Next, replace stock battery with a Yellow Top
Then, Look into a HighOutput Alternator:
www.mean-green.com
www.h-o-alternators.com
Lastly: add a second yellow top battery in parallel, in rear of vehicle.

You don't necessarily have to do all of the above, but that's the order you should do it in.

DO NOT get cap, with the type of dimming you are describing it will not help. All it will be is an EXTRA strain on an already stressed electrical system.

NG

 

Thanks for all the help and advice! I have also posted a clip from another one of my posts, maybe some of you could assist me with this....

I need some input on a small problem. I am trying to upgrade the factory wiring from the alternator to the battery to 0 gauge. I have done this many times in the past, but not when the battery is in the rear of the vehicle. I tried to locate the factory wiring from the alternator but am having a hard time following it. Has anyone done this?? If so any help would be GREAT! I plan on doing it next weekend and can’t seem to find any helpful info.

I have been told I could run it outside/ under the vehicle, but I really do not like that method. Anyway, I am open for suggestions or other’s experiences with the magnum. A step by step or photos would be excellent.

Thanks again!

 

You won't need to really know which wire is which for the stock wires. I mean, you just need to know the spot for the positive lead off the alternator...whatever provides the charge. If yours is in a complex harness, I see why this may be confusing.

But what I stated above, you want to ADD to the existing wiring...don't replace. I'd suggest stopping by a local dealer and asking them where exactly the positive lead is on the alternator...ask in the service department...

NG

 

Thanks again guys, I hope to work on it this weekend, I will let you know how it works out.

 

my alternator had a red cover on the + lead.......