I have a 2004 Impala. Just bought a 800 watt amp and a 12 Infinity sub. Everything is working great, but when I crank to sub, my lights dim quite a bit. My instruments panels' lights also dim. I know its sucking a lot of power.
Should I get a capacitor for my amp in order to prevent draining the battery or just get a more powerful battery that has much more juice?
im in a dilemma. please help!
thanks

 

A large cap will smooth things to a point.
You did run your power wire right to the battery?
If your trying to power something this large through the fuse block
the wiring will never handle it, except for anyignition turn on wires.
A stereo store should be able to help you.
Jim

 

Usually when putting that kind of drain on the charging system first thing to do is get a high amp altinator. Any rebuilder can make your current altinator 150 amps for not to much money.

 

how do they make my current altinator to 150? A new one?
do you think a capacitor running from the battery to amp would help?

***I ran the wire from the battery to a fuse block and then to the amp. Came with the kicker wiring package.

 

A rebuilding shop car change the inside of altinator and make it 150 amps or just exchange it for a high amp one at like auto zone or what ever auto store will do it for you. Also a smaller pulley does better with your problem but won't cure it. Good Luck