So I have noticed when I i have my lights on and the car is running if i roll up a window or pull up on the window switch my lights in the dash and head lights dim. it seems like its putting to much of a strain on the charging system. Has anyone else had this issue? I was thinking of taking my alt to my local re-builder to have him rebuild it to a higher amp rating. or is it just my internal regulator on the alt going out?
lights diming
- Thread starter P5freek
- Start date
kosteniuks17
Member
- :
- Mazda Protege5 2003
Idk why but when I turn on my HID lights my fm radio goes immediatly static. Not to steal your thread but they could be both related to the alternator. I do have a short antenna maybe thats why, buts its only my when i turn on the HID's. Maybe its cause i didnt do the wire relay straight to the battery for them. IDK.
I don't think it's too much of an issue. Mine does that too, but I just had a new alternator put in a few months back, along with a new battery. From when I've read, the alternators on Proteges are literally just strong enough to support the system. I've even noticed that when I'm on the highway at night I can see my headlights randomly dim for a second as I'm cruising at a steady speed and not changing anything electronically. So if you're planning on getting subs or a higher powered stereo system I would try and get a higher amp alternator.
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
- :
- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
These alts are regulated by the ECU, it is normal you don't have any problems. A grounding kit may help.
sleepwalker
Member
- :
- 2010 Mazda CX-7 i Sport
^this. I complained in a PM chat with a M247 member (don't remember who) about my headlights dimming when I roll up/down my windows, and was told that the grounding system in these cars leaves much to be desired. There's lots of threads about "The Big Three" that deal with the grounding system. I just haven't dug one up and done it yet.
ebay has tons of them. you can also make your own.
Has anyone done this to their protege before? where would i start with the wiring?
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
- :
- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
I have half a mind the electrical shorts are why some of these cars rust all over literally from the inside out, while others develop almost no rust at all.
If you pound the bass a lot it and your amp is feeding off your battery directly, you may be putting some unneeded strain on your electrical system. A simple capacitor can greatly reduce the impact on your alternator and save you money in the long run. It will also help provide much better punch to your sub(s).
Something like this: (this was the first google result, i have never purchased from here)
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i6_capacitors.html
If you want to make and install your own ground wire kit, here's a link.
http://www.clubprotege.com/wil/howto/groundwire/
http://www.clubprotege.com/wil/howto/groundwire/
This is definitely a common thing among proteges. It happened in my mazdaspeed and it happens (seemingly worse) in my protege5...
when I use the windows my headlights used to dim (before I got HIDs) and the interior gauge display dims too. Now when I turn on my HIDs my sound system shuts off for a few seconds and turns back on.. but my headlights don't dim anymore because after the initial startup, HIDs use less power.
the 1200 watt sound system in my car probably isn't helping my case (everything dims when I am at full volume that has a light lol)
However, there are 1 of 2 options I would suggest, both have already been mentioned. Since I am a car audio buff, the first one I am going to recommend is "the big 3"
Get yourself some 4 gauge wire (0 if your feeling it) and follow one of the links above. This will allow more free flowing current and should help a little. I always recommend to do this first
If that doesn't work, dont buy a replacement oem alternator.. get yourself a high output alternator. I think our car is only 70amp stock which is incredibly low, but you can get a 140 amp for the p5 for $200 online. This should fix everything else. However, if you do the alternator without the big 3 upgrade, it won't be as beneficial as it could be because of the crappy grounding and wiring that is stock
hope my 2 cents helped
when I use the windows my headlights used to dim (before I got HIDs) and the interior gauge display dims too. Now when I turn on my HIDs my sound system shuts off for a few seconds and turns back on.. but my headlights don't dim anymore because after the initial startup, HIDs use less power.
the 1200 watt sound system in my car probably isn't helping my case (everything dims when I am at full volume that has a light lol)
However, there are 1 of 2 options I would suggest, both have already been mentioned. Since I am a car audio buff, the first one I am going to recommend is "the big 3"
Get yourself some 4 gauge wire (0 if your feeling it) and follow one of the links above. This will allow more free flowing current and should help a little. I always recommend to do this first
If that doesn't work, dont buy a replacement oem alternator.. get yourself a high output alternator. I think our car is only 70amp stock which is incredibly low, but you can get a 140 amp for the p5 for $200 online. This should fix everything else. However, if you do the alternator without the big 3 upgrade, it won't be as beneficial as it could be because of the crappy grounding and wiring that is stock
hope my 2 cents helped
