DroppedGS

I installed an 170amp Alternator today for my Stereo (Not Stock System) because my lights dim when I Play music at high volumes.

This Alternator is worst than my stock alt. Is there something I can Adjust to get more volts out of my Alternator? I only get 12.3v Idle without Lights & 12.1v with Lights on. What have I done wrong & what can be done to fix problem?

Ps.. When I rev it to 2000rpm it goes up to 14.4v without a problem.

Update: I put my factory Alternator back in and the car does the same thing. Voltage reads 12.3v Idle No Lights 12.1 with lights? What could be the problem? I Believe its not the alt.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

could just be defective but you could check the grounds and all the connections.

i think something was said in a thread previously about having to upgrade to a 4AWG grounding cable when upgrading the ALT.

Tammy

12.3 volts is low... Should be 14.3 volts. Does the voltage increase to 14 volts when you rev it to 2000 RPM or so? If not, the voltage regulator build into the new alternator is defective or the alternator itself has bad windings. Take it back and exchange it, it's defective.
How old is your battery, they may blame it for dragging down the alternator.... doubtful the battery is shorted. When they go open, the voltage is below 10 volts.

DroppedGS

When I rev it to 2000rpm is goes up to 14.4 without a problem. What else can it be?WHat can I check? or Upgrade?

st-187

do you have any capacitors, aka caps for your system? they help with the dimming of the lights when the music gets loud and they also take a big load off of your alt.