Volume problem

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Feb 16, 2003 | 02:31 AM

wim

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jan 2003

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From: ZH

Volume problem

Hi,
When I am riding and I put my lights on or use brake my radio volume sounds louder. Does anyone know what this is?

Feb 16, 2003 | 03:10 AM

retrodrive

Search Function Inc.

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 4,819

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From: California

Possibly an alternator. Are you sure that it gets louder as you use up more opwer. The usual case is when you activate your powerbrakes and it drains power out of your electrical system and alternator is too weak. This MAY make sound quieter (although not likely).

Feb 16, 2003 | 05:06 AM

wim

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 3

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From: ZH

Thanks for your reaction. First the radio sounds quieter and then it sounds much louder and after that normal. By the way, what is a altanator a don't know the Englisch word can you explain it.

Feb 16, 2003 | 12:35 PM

retrodrive

Search Function Inc.

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 4,819

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From: California

Alternator is a unit that is spun by the engine to produce energy that keeps your battery charged. Some countries call it dynamo-machine and some call it generator. First I would suggest getting the battery out of your car and charge it with low rate amperage (make sure you switch your charger to like 2 amps) to rejuvenate it to the original condition. It should do it overnight. Put the battery in and see if it helps the problem. Probably what happens is that your battery is weak (alternator weaken batteries with time due to its constant high amp charging) so when you powerbrake and draw power from battery (music gets quieter), alternator kicks in to charge it and you get more electrical flow then your system needs (music gets louder). As a last resort you need to check out the power regulator in your car. The Lexus ones are very slow (that’s why we get dimming in headlights easily) and it can get even slower with time. Basically it might not be able to keep power constant when there are variations in amp flow from your alternator. All these things you need to discuss with a mechanic who is trying to fix your car and not rip you off. These are just some specific things to check out. Good luck.

Feb 16, 2003 | 02:08 PM

fierce gs

Pole Position

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 269

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From: ca

hey retrodrive...
Could you give more info on our power regulators?
I always thought the car dimmed a bit too easily. Is there anyway to tweak the power regulator or switch it out?

thanks.