I'm having problems

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Jun 13, 2008 | 01:42 PM

durtysc300

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 1,075

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From: Arizona

I'm having problems

The SC, renowned for its reliability, is having troubles starting and going

I do have alot of electrical equipment running off the battery. Head unit, subwoofer, changer ect. and i'm wondering if its the battery. When the stereo is playing the car is loosing power and everything is dimming and the stereo cuts in and out. Of course the sc's battery is a top loading battery and allt he ones we have at my house are side with a bolt going in. So it looks like im gonna have to hunt one down. Any other suggestions?

I'll post up a video in a few.

Jun 13, 2008 | 02:03 PM

vex_soarer

Driver

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From: Cali

Are you running a capacitor with all that equipment? If no then that would help a lot.

You can also look into getting a higher cranking alternator.

Jun 13, 2008 | 02:26 PM

Dx3

Lexus Fanatic

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Tulsa, Oklahoma

As stated above, you may be putting too much strain on the alternator. Try a bigger one. Is your battery old? Get an Optima

Jonny

Jun 13, 2008 | 02:43 PM

durtysc300

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 1,075

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From: Arizona

no capacitor. the car runs fine after it sits after a hard start. should i upgrade the alt?

Jun 13, 2008 | 02:49 PM

J:M

Pole Position

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 219

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From: CA

Here's my test. Play your music loud. Turn up the bass. If your headlights/dash dim to the bass, you need a capacitor AND alternator. I've used capacitors on stock alternators but I've always felt safer with an alternator that produces enough juice for all the components you have. If I had to choose one or the other, I'll go with an alternator. That's the "right" way IMO.

Jun 13, 2008 | 02:51 PM

durtysc300

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 1,075

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From: Arizona

well then can you point me in the right direction?

Jun 13, 2008 | 09:50 PM

LexGX

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From: AL

It says in your sig. that you have a 650 watt amp, it shouldn't be too hard on a stock alternator. What else do you have hooked up? What you can do is called a big 3, which is going to be the cheapest. Next step would to upgrade your battery and last resolution is to get a HO alternator.