Having stereo loud is using more fuel.

[King_berald]

hey guys, i noticed the other day that when i turn the stereo up to the volume i would normally listen to, the computer says that my fuel usage is about .2L/100km more than when its turned down. Also the headlights dim with the bass and whatnot. the battery is recently new also.

i have been told that if i was to upgrade my alternator and get a capacitor that the problem will be fixed. is this correct? any other ideas???

[Hangman]

I'd imagine your alternator doesn't like the extra load on it.

[Nic92]

do the big 3 instead

[acarmody]

The more power that the alternator makes, the more power is needed to turn the alternator, and this comes from the engine. An alternator doesn't create energy, it transform the engines mechanical energy into electrical energy.

So nothing you do will lower the extra fuel use except have less power draw, aka turn the stereo down.

To solve the dimming, try the Big 3 upgrade.

[sweefu]

Jesus! So many people wanting to buy a capacitor without decent wiring. To the OP, upgrade the 'big 3' before thinking about doing anything else.

[acarmody]

Jesus! So many people wanting to buy a capacitor without decent wiring. To the OP, upgrade the 'big 3' before thinking about doing anything else.

But its what the salesman tell them is best.

[m1lky]

Shop makes more money from a cap. Upgrade your grounds (big 3) then reassess. I dont believe you'll ever have a situation where you need a cap.

You might use more gas idling but I doubt it when your moving. The additional weight is more likely the factor

[mint]

You might use more gas idling but I doubt it when your moving. The additional weight is more likely the factor

Ah..... No.

[sweefu]

Shop makes more money from a cap. Upgrade your grounds (big 3) then reassess. I dont believe you'll ever have a situation where you need a cap.

You might use more gas idling but I doubt it when your moving. The additional weight is more likely the factor

Grounds are only 2 of the 'big 3' the alternator charge wire is the 3rd cable

[m1lky]

Realized that after I posted it but couldn't be bothered editing it.

[nathanVY]

Deep cycle battery should help too

[King_berald]

thanks for the replies guys,
what about if i was to buy another battery and hook the power cable from my amps to that, then somehow connect that to my main battery so it charges?

[nathanVY]

thanks for the replies guys,
what about if i was to buy another battery and hook the power cable from my amps to that, then somehow connect that to my main battery so it charges?

shouldn't need to unless you're running 400,000,000,000,000,000WRMS

If the battery's new that should be fine just maybe upgrade your earths, etc and go from there.

[Nic92]

thanks for the replies guys,
what about if i was to buy another battery and hook the power cable from my amps to that, then somehow connect that to my main battery so it charges?

could get a bat cap?, so un used power will charge the bat cap gives less stress on the alt so the alt doesnt have to charge both bats also less stress on main bat

DO THE BIG THREE first then see how it is

[wraith]

Capacitors are a bandaid solution nothing more. To OP to be honest not once have I ever heard about a car chewing through more fuel because of the stereo. Can't be the alternator because the belt is driven by the crank at a set RPM. Sounds to me like your having it up loud not keeping an eye on how fast your going etc. more then anything.

[King_berald]

ive got level 3 dash with the gauge that shows how many L/100k...or litres per hour while im stationary.....and as i turn my stereo up, it goes up 0.2 or so. i have only tested this while im stopped tho.
ive already added extra earths from the battery and the block.

would i be reducing load on the electrical system if i was to upgrade to a 100A alternator? or would i still be encountering the same situation?

[wrx884]

u wont need another alternator, make sure the 1 u got is working properly? 4get the fuel usage how many Kms do u get out of a tank? its impossible 2 b related.

4 starters wat gear r u running so we know how much power ur system is pulling. the stock alt is more then enough most cases

[wraith]

0.2 is bugger all. I would say it's your trip computer telling lies. Nothing more. There's no problem.

[King_berald]

500rms monoblock and a 1320watt 4channel.......12" 500rms sub. 2x6.5" type R splits and 2x6.5 type R coaxs,

u wont need another alternator, make sure the 1 u got is working properly? 4get the fuel usage how many Kms do u get out of a tank? its impossible 2 b related.

4 starters wat gear r u running so we know how much power ur system is pulling. the stock alt is more then enough most cases

i know that using things like headlights, aircon, fan etcetc draw power and slightly affect the fuel consumption, which would also apply with my stereo. but im hoping that there is a way that i can power the amps without as much strain on the electrical system.

[Nic92]

500rms wont strain the bat, is it class d amp?

[wraith]

Again I have seen systems with more then you have and they didn't notice increased fuel consumption.... Aircon effects fuel consumption because the clutch engages causing more drag on the belts etc etc.

[wrx884]

500rms monoblock and a 1320watt 4channel.......12" 500rms sub. 2x6.5" type R splits and 2x6.5 type R coaxs,


i know that using things like headlights, aircon, fan etcetc draw power and slightly affect the fuel consumption, which would also apply with my stereo. but im hoping that there is a way that i can power the amps without as much strain on the electrical system.

using ur aircon is the only thing that may cause u 2 use more fuel nothing else that u mentioned will. they'll only effect the voltage drop which is y u need 2 make sure ur alternator is working fine? wat readings r u gettin at the battery with the car off? car idling with no accessories and again with all accessories including ur stereo?

Most cases u'll just need a new regulator so it can keep up. provided u also do wat the other guys have been telling u 2 do.

edit: please dont use the digital read out on the cluster either use a DMM straight from the battery 2 give u a more accurate reading.

[StoneX]

I can believe extra fuel usage at idle with high current draw but not in this case as his power draw is not very high... My old 98 Pulsar had a 75A alternator and when I'd run test tones or bass sweeps with a 2400Wrms amp the revs would increase. I assume the computer or something knew to increase the revs to make the alternator produce more power. Not sure how it works but it would do it everytime and increased engine revs equals increased fuel consumption.