93Z28rare

iTrader: (11)

Hey everyone,

I have a 94 Z28 running HID fogs and headlamps. I also have a stereo system that's not too crazy. Anyway, when I turn on the HID's, the battery power gauge seems to indicate a fast and considerable drop in power as the needle almost hits or is in the upper part of the red area on the gauge. Without the HID's on, if I make the stereo system bass, the needle does not really go into the red, but you can see that with every bass hit, the needle goes down, then back up. There does not seem to be dimming of the head/foglights as the bass hits when they are on, even with the gauge reading at close to the red.

My question is, should I replace the battery with something more powerful or the alternator? The battery is a Duralast Gold that's at least 2-3 years old and the alternator is a stock one. Also, should a capacitor for the stereo system be in order? Thanks everyone.

m6ttop

iTrader: (18)

I suggest an optima and a capacitor for the stereo but the HID's shouldnt drain your battery.Could be an alternator issue

93Z28rare

iTrader: (11)

That's what I thought about the HID's as well. That there shouldn't be a drain. Could it be possible the battery is just too old now?

Tapout97

iTrader: (1)

optimas are very over rated..... but thats my experience with them

hitmanws6

iTrader: (20)

get a red top or a die hard platinum. im baised towards the platinums because i work where they are sold but ive heard some crazy stories with optimas

93Z28rare

iTrader: (11)

So then it should be the battery right?

m6ttop

iTrader: (18)

I dont think so.Either the HID wiring or the alternator.

93Z28rare

iTrader: (11)

The wiring really? I hate this.

lilpb1

iTrader: (13)

HID lights run considerable lower voltage then regular halogen bulbs. If the amps arent bringing your voltage down then i would think there is some kind of short in the headlights or fog lights. Do you have a relay for powering the ballast on the HID's because the stock wire harness might not be adequate enought for the HID's.

93Z28rare

iTrader: (11)

So I've noticed that even without my headlights or foglamps on driving around, the battery power seems to be on the low side. From above the red area to maybe 2-3 mm above it.

94'BLKBRD

iTrader: (76)

Get your alternator checked out.

lowerthanyou00

iTrader: (8)

rhe hids/wiring and a new battery couldnt hurt either ftw

ZexGX

iTrader: (28)

It's probably the alternator if it's a stock one. HID's should actually use less power than a conventional headlamp system. If it's not the alternator then it's the battery or the connection to the battery (check for corrosion).

C5natie

iTrader: (1)

Hey Carlos, I had similar issues till I upgraded to an Optima yellow top(it was free so no red top but yellow has more amperage). Also, yes, you and I both should get capacitors. They store power to prevent power dips like when the bass hits.

93Z28rare

iTrader: (11)

Alright. I'm going to check the alternator and the wiring to it. That would be the red cable from the battery to the alternator right? Today, I will attempt to get a capicitor for the amp pushing the bass.

lilpb1

iTrader: (13)

its going to be your alternator if its low without the HIDs. My started going out the same way and a capacitor is only going to bandage the problem. Just get a high out alternator. PM i can refer you to some shops locally.