Overcharging alternator?

Tiny
IEATGLUE6457
  • MEMBER
  • HONDA ACCORD
I have a 2001 honda accord with a 2.3L engine. The alternator is rated at 80 amps. I recently put in a top of the line stereo system with two amplifiers each drawing 40 amps peak. Using only one amp, everything runs fine and sounds ok. As soon as I turn on my subs (using the other amp) the lights dim, and the sound distorts terribly. I know this is because my amplifiers are drawing more power than my alternator can provide, so everything drops. I currently have a capacitor installed, so thats helping the load. I looked into rebuilding the alternator, and I know that that would help, but what else can I do? Would adding more capacitors or batteries lessen the workload on the alternator? Again, I only have the problem when the bass hits are strong, so its not a constant strain.
Monday, November 5th, 2007 AT 5:05 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Add more capacitors and fabricate a dual battery system.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 12:51 PM
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
There is really only two solutions. Add a second alternator or increase the size of the alternator. I will let it go at that because I will say something I shouldn't.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 12:51 PM

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