System Draining Battery

CMAC2491 · February 23, 2011

Ok, I have 2 10" JL Audio Subs under my backseat and a 500 Watt JL Audio Amp powering them and when I have the system going pretty loud I can watch the battery voltage meter needle drop. It will drop while stopped and while driving. It will drop from around 15 volts to around 10 or 11 volts before I turn it down. I need some suggestions, I don't know what to do to fix this. Help!

gregrocks89 · February 23, 2011

alternator cant keep up, get a bigger one. I have the same set up but i got kenwood 10s. If i go to the stop light i can watch my my battery level drop but as soon as i step on the gas it raises back to normal.

CMAC2491 · February 23, 2011

Thanks for the reply. I guess thats what I'm gonna do because I can watch the needle drop even while driving sometimes, depending on the song. I was just wondering if there was a simpler solution other than a new alternator.

beave84 · February 23, 2011

Thanks for the reply. I guess thats what I'm gonna do because I can watch the needle drop even while driving sometimes, depending on the song. I was just wondering if there was a simpler solution other than a new alternator.

I competed for soundstream for three years. It is true your charging system cant keep up. When the bass drops real low your amp draws alot of power hence the bouncing needle.A larger altanator such as one from Stinger will stop this but is expensive. Anthore thing you can use is a capacitor in the 1/2 to 1 farad range. They act as power storage not unlike a battery but discharge instantly when power is called for and you can get them on ebay or from stereo shop for around 65. I'd try one before you invest in an alternator. Just my thoughts its up to you .

CMAC2491 · February 23, 2011

Alright, thanks for the input man, I'll look into that.

TexasAl · February 23, 2011

I would personally add a second battery. This will help meet the energy demands of your sound system. That would solve all your problems. You can go to summit racing and find the battery install cables that you need. Good luck.

CMAC2491 · February 24, 2011

Ok, so if I add another battery, will my alternator be able keep up?

TexasAl · February 24, 2011

Yes, it is essentially going to give you more capacity, and the voltage will not drop as quickly as with the single battery. Do a google search on dual battery setups, or search the forum. There is a lot of info on this topic. Good luck.