Alternator Help

pbplaya87 · 10-21-2003, 08:33 AM

Does anyone know where I can get an aftermarket alternator for my 2000 Focus ZX3?

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RPIJG · 10-21-2003, 09:13 AM

why? are you powering a small city block?

GonFishin · 10-21-2003, 10:31 AM

I have a 600watt amp, two subs (600rms total + 2000peak total), a 500watt cap, and my lights dim a lot. I was thinking it's either my alternator or my battery (maybe both). I was thinking of upgrading my alternator instead of a factory replacement also. Does anyone know of any good aftermarket alternators? (I have the same...a 2000 ZX3) I'm already saving for an Optima battery.

RPIJG · 10-21-2003, 11:00 AM

well, I'd say it is probably just your battery. I see alot of people come in here and say that they want to upgrade their alternator, when I've seen alot more run on less powerful alternators without problems. I have a 650watt 5-channel amp powering all the speakers and a 10" rockford sub. I have no dimming. And I have no cap. (Gon, I'm not sure that you are powering your subs correctly, since it looks like your amp isn't rated to handle that power load). I had 600watts in my old VW Jetta, no cap, and a much smaller alternator than what the focus has now. No dimming there either. I often wonder about perhaps the wiring causing this problem for some people or perhaps the install. Maybe the quality of the amp is suspect, I'm not sure. But I don't think necessarily running out and installing a new alternator is a prerequisite for car audio. Like I said before, unless you are powering a small city block.

focituner · 10-29-2003, 11:15 PM

I am Having the same problem as well. When I am driving and my radio is on I wil see my lights dim to the music when I am at a red light. And lately when I am running the heater and My radio at the same time I will experience My lights dimming and my radio turning off momentarily and going back on.

PLEASE HELP

RPIJG · 10-30-2003, 09:07 AM

these all sound like problems with the battery connection, and not the alternator, that or your alternator is going, you shouldn't need to upgrade your alternator to anything higher than you already have. I've seen more run off of less without problems, check your grounds also.

whiteboyslo · 10-30-2003, 09:32 AM

a good ground will make all the difference, but a cap would definetely help out. get a battery, and a cap. should be all you need.

Mike

focituner · 10-30-2003, 11:54 PM

whats a cap?

GonFishin · 10-31-2003, 11:57 AM

a capacitor: it stores a little energy kinda like a small battery for when your subs hit deep powerful notes. I have one and my car still has surges in power. I think my alternator sux, and I need a new battery. I'd like a stronger alternator so I could power a small city block if I ever needed to (or at least some household appliances in an emergency), or so I could jumpstart other cars without freaking out about my battery (I've stalled jumping someone else car).
BTW: (OT..sorry) I heard jump starts are bad for our computers. Should we not do it. I leave my jumper cables at home so I can say "nope, sorry, I don't have cables"...lol