Questions re power draw from aux lights

[offroad_nomad]

I have noticed that when I turn on my 4 Hella 550 lights (55w each), my headlights dim. Turn up the stereo and they will dim a bit more. Can I solve this dimming issue with replacing my stock battery (5+ yrs old) with a better battery, such as an Optima Blue Top and/or should I look at also swapping my stock altenator with a higher output model? Thanks.

 

[Brian McVickers]

Both solutions, the new better battery and the new higher-output alternator should solve the problem. Also take a look at your wiring, the wiring can waste power. Maybe look into relays but I don't know much about them.

 

[offroad_nomad]

The relays are the stock Hella relays with inline fuses. As for the wiring the shop that installed my lights didn't use the stock wires provided in the Hella light boxes. Instead, they used their own wiring for my lights. I don't doubt they used any substandard wires. They are a reputable shop specializing in offroad vehicles and installing offroad lights is common for them.

Both solutions, the new better battery and the new higher-output alternator should solve the problem. Also take a look at your wiring, the wiring can waste power. Maybe look into relays but I don't know much about them.

 

[erin]

A bigger alternator brings up a good point, how much would be enough over stock to say run 2-4 lights and a winch?

 

[Brian McVickers]

A 120 or 130 amp alternator is a good upgrade, readily available and usually easy to fit and mount onto the existing bracket.

 

[Darren]

Ian, I have ran all 610 watts worth of my auxiliary lighting at the same time without any dimming of anything whatsoever. I never have a need to run that much all at once, but I've certainly tried it on occasion. My (early in the year) 2002 OEM battery died this summer, and even until then, nothing ever dimmed. It was a sudden death, which I have heard is common for our OEM batteries.

I think you've had your lights for awhile now, but am not sure how long it has affected your headlights. I only bring any of this up as I can't imagine this would be alternator related, but at the same time, I'm not sure why the lights would dim when the engine is on. I would say, definitely replace the battery as step one.

I had no idea wiring could potentially waste power. If you hadn't had a dimming issue until only recently, I would think that would rule out the wiring, and possibly point to battery wear. I really don't know, just thought I'd throw this out.

Good luck!

 

[Brian McVickers]

Re, wasting power.
I was thinking of the size of the wire in relation to the draw of the light and the length of the wire run. With the idea that a 5w draw can use a light wire for a short run but it will need a heavier wire for a longer run. If the light wire is used for the longer run the light will not get the full 5w it needs, will run dim, the wire will heat up and potentially melt or fire.

Sorry for the vague explanation, I'm out of practice on the 12v stuff I once new well!

How are all of the lighting connections?
Could this be related to a loose wire or bad ground?

 

[njtaco]

Check grounds, x2.
Including body grounds, etc. Loose connections, rust/corrosion, etc. can all contribute to your issues with dimming lights. Check wire sizes on the grounds, too. They need to be the same guage as the hot side.