eaglclon

iTrader: (1)

My lights keep dimming with the 500/1. I've tried everything even got a cap. I just put in a new alternator and optima red top battery. And I also have a 400x4 alpine amp.

Here how I got it wired. 2 gauge main power wire to a distrabution block and from the distrabution block a 4 gauge going to cap, 4 gauge going to the JL 500/1 and a 8 gauge going to the alpine.


It's getting on my nerves. Can't figure out what's going on.

Nick97SE

iTrader: (14)

You might have it wired wrong. I have 4-gauge Power wire going from the battery to the capacitor. From there, I have the distribution block, which goes to each of my amplifers. It sounds to me like your capacitor isn't wired to your amplifier, unless I just misunderstood you. I don't know much about wiring though, so I could be wrong.

-Nick

eaglclon

iTrader: (1)

actually I have the 500/1 amp plugged straight into the cap.

NightRider

iTrader: (6)

If it were me I would change the wire for the Alpine to 4 guage and run it straight from the distribution block. Then find a better ground for the cap.

jmax

Run the two gauge straight to the cap. Then to the dist - fuse - block. What 4 channel Alpine amp do you have? And what year is your car?

eaglclon

iTrader: (1)

alpine 4channel amp. 97 max. If I ran my 2gauge to the cap would I have to use a 2 gauge ground for the cap?

jmax

You should be useing a 2 gauge or better ground to the cap anyway.

Alpine has probably made 100 different 4 channnel amps in the past 15-20 years. Which one are yuou using? It is tough to determine how much current it needs if we don't know which amp it is and the power output.

eaglclon

iTrader: (1)

sorry it's a alpine mrv-f403 400 watt amp. I think I know my problem now. Maybe I need another ground coming from the cap. because I have 2 4 gauge power wires going in the cap and one 4gauge ground coming from the cap. So i need another ground for the cap. Does that sound right?

jmax

It is only one of many potential problem area's. Ground point could also be bad. Or not properly prepped. Ground from battery to chassis or chassis to block also an issue. You do not have very much power in your system. For that reason It is likely something basic.

eaglclon

iTrader: (1)

thanks jmax. Imma go ahead and reground everything.

jmax

Also check that all terminals are free of corrosion. In particular the battery terminals. And check that all connections are secure. Also check to see if you have any excessive length in the power and ground wires. Don't forget that thicker wire is cheaper and more effective than doubleing small gauge wire.