Help! Dimming lights!

[inthelane]

Ok, my headlights, interior lights, etc. have been dimming at low rpms. When I pick up speed they quit, but at low rpms they just constantly flash. I got Autozone to check out the alternator and battery...and they are both fine. They can't be of any assistance to me. Now I do have a system, but its not that high of wattage. I was wondering if other 99 Cougar owners were having the same problem? If so, have they fixed it and how? I've been told by somebody to pick up a Yellow Top Optima battery...that this would fix the problem. I'm definitely not a mechanic and I really don't wanna spend $140 for a new battery if this doesn't help. The headlights have been flashing for a while now and people have been pulling over thinking that I am trying to get them to stop. Any assistance would be appreciated..PLEASE!!:confused:

[ignernt]

Click here. (http://www.fastcougar.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=78630)

[blustreak]

Well I do have a system w/ a yellow top optima and 2 1Fared Caps in the trunk and my lights fade a little but never turn all the way off. I'm also having alot of electrical problems b/c of the high wattage system. <<-- different story

I'm gonna go have my whole electrical system tested soon by an electrical automotive shop by me. Try and find one or take it to a dealer and ask them to check it out. That's my only suggestion.

[bova80]

man i have a 1400watt amp powering my 4 speakers and 12" sub and i get no dimming what so ever. and i am still using the stock battery.

[CougarBalla2k5]

You're probably going to yell at me and call me an idiot for saying this, but, that Pyle amp probably isn't pushing what is rated to do. It could, but not likely. Even if it is, you aren't running 1400 watts continuous, probably 700.

[coug99]

Originally posted by: CougarBalla2k5
You're probably going to yell at me and call me an idiot for saying this, but, that Pyle amp probably isn't pushing what is rated to do. It could, but not likely. Even if it is, you aren't running 1400 watts continuous, probably 700.

Pyle rates their amps at max power (like Sony Xplod, Legacy, etc). Wow, CougarBall, I actually agreed with you on something! :)

[CougarBalla2k5]

:thumbsup:

[inthelane]

The lights never turn all the way off....they just kinda flicker and fade down at low rpms. I tried taking it to a dealership and they want alotta $$$ just to check it out. I'm a college student and its hard for me to find alotta $$$. My system is only pushing about 400 watts. I wouldn't think that that would be enough to make the lights dim in and out, but it could be. It would be alright if it were just the interior lights but the headlights do it just as bad and that's aggravating. It makes it a little difficult to see in rain and fog when the headlights are constantly dimming at low rpms. I was wondering if the yellow top Optima battery would help give my electrical system more power cuz maybe its just not getting enough power? The stock battery and alternator have been checked and they are fine. I appreciate the help so for, but I need more info. Thanks:biggrin:

[coug99]

Like you said your system is only pushing around 400 watts. I don't think that would be enough to drain the battery to the point of flickerying headlights. If I am wrong, someone please correct me. How long did it take this to happen after your system was installed? If it was right after, maybe you loosened a wire or something?

[01blkcat]

If your lights are dimming really bad, then start simply. Wire the amp directly to the battery and try it out first, before you start pulling your hair out. At the same time, make sure you are using the proper gauge wiring - for the size you labelled, I'd expect you used at least 4 gauge, maybe even larger?

Also check to make sure all of your grounds are solid, and that any connections are secure and taped up good.

[Seth]

try getting a voltmeter thingy? check to make sure youre still running normal.

edit: do the lights flash as your system beats?

i'm no expert but i would try everything first. disconnect everything and test. and slowly bring things back in.. testing each time. i bet its your battery and/or your alt.

[inthelane]

Originally posted by: coug99
Like you said your system is only pushing around 400 watts. I don't think that would be enough to drain the battery to the point of flickerying headlights. If I am wrong, someone please correct me. How long did it take this to happen after your system was installed? If it was right after, maybe you loosened a wire or something?

After I got the Cougar I immediately installed the system that I had in another car. But I did uninstall it to make sure that it wasn't the cause of it. And to my amazement the headlights were still dimming at low rpms without the system even in. So I really don't think that the 400 watt system is the cause of it. I think it has to do with something else, but don't know what??? Thanks for they help!

[Seth]

might seem like a stupid question but have you checked your lights to make sure they're on nice and tight? better yet.. that their connections are nice and tight?


also.. my alternator was replaced at one point. but not because of the usual problem. my problem was with the connection of the alternator. the connection was faulty so it would come loose due to the normal shaking. something similar may be your problem. what if you get an extended warranty? and then bring it in? might be more expensive but would help on the long run. other than that.. im fresh out of ideas. sorry.

[inthelane]

Originally posted by: Seth
try getting a voltmeter thingy? check to make sure youre still running normal.

edit: do the lights flash as your system beats?

i'm no expert but i would try everything first. disconnect everything and test. and slowly bring things back in.. testing each time. i bet its your battery and/or your alt.

The headlights flash with the system even unhooked...but they do dim in and out worse when the system is playing. The car can be stationary and it still blinks the lights with the system playing. I'm going to try out the voltmeter and start testing wires...someone else also suggested that back in my hometown. I'm definitely no expert either, but it seems to me that the alternator isn't doing its job or the battery isn't. But they have both been checked as being fine. So, i don't know??? Thanks for the help man.

:confused:

[Seth]

my experience is that they say its working because its "on". doesn't mean its working up to standards. Good luck.

[01blkcat]

Originally posted by: Seth
my experience is that they say its working because its "on". doesn't mean its working up to standards. Good luck.

Exactly. If you hooked up the system yourself, then take it apart and check each piece, again realize that just because it worked okay in a different car doesn't mean it's going to be okay in the Cougar - cars differ, and so do their components.

[tad]

do your other lights also dim??
like your instrument panel lights and interior lights?
your alternator does put out less amps when the rpms are lower
how low do your rpms go?
go in diagnostic mode to find out

[inthelane]

Originally posted by: tad
do your other lights also dim??
like your instrument panel lights and interior lights?
your alternator does put out less amps when the rpms are lower
how low do your rpms go?
go in diagnostic mode to find out


Yes all the lights dim including the instrument panel lights and interior lights. I'm thinking that when Autozone did a free alternator and battery check....it mainly made sure it was working and i'm think its just a weak alternator but not sure. I'm not familiar with the diagnostic mode....how do u get in diagnostic mode? and what does it do?

[99CouGSweetRide]

of course your battery and alternator are testing fine...but when you're running your system it's too much for the alternator. The alt. will probably test fine until it dies. I suggest you just rewind your alternator or buy a higher output one.

Mike

[Ruffian]

Check your battery, it may be causing it. I had my alternator replaced but the battery was not since it "tested" out fine (I had drained it down to nothing twice). Not too far after the alt was replaced, the interior lights/headlights started flickering at lower RPMs. I think a new battery will fix the problem unless your alternator is fried. With a voltmeter check your battery, it should read a little above 12v if the battery is good 11.7v or less and the battery is cooked. When the car is running, the voltage should jump to 14-15v on a good battery.

[BigAlsCouga]

this happens to my buddies car when the sub hits just by a CAPACITOR that should fix it :shrug:

[Kooter]

Originally posted by: Seth
might seem like a stupid question but have you checked your lights to make sure they're on nice and tight? better yet.. that their connections are nice and tight?


also.. my alternator was replaced at one point. but not because of the usual problem. my problem was with the connection of the alternator. the connection was faulty so it would come loose due to the normal shaking. something similar may be your problem. what if you get an extended warranty? and then bring it in? might be more expensive but would help on the long run. other than that.. im fresh out of ideas. sorry.

i had the same problem with my alternator. my car died about 35 minutes into my Hardcore Kitty Convention journey. really sucked, but they just took the connection apart cleaned it and it works fine now. it is an aftermarket alt also.

[CougarBalla2k5]

Capacitors only help if you use them correctly......most people don't actually know what they do.