I was wondering if there is a way to modify the voltage coming from the alternator on my 2000ssei. I had a 2000GTP with the same engine and you could put a 1 ohm diode in series on the orange wire coming from the alternator and that would raise the system voltage by about .5 volts. The connectors are different on the alternator though. Thanks.

Your alternator already has a "sense wire" that senses the system's needs. Provided you don't max the amp output of the alternator out you shouldn't have to worry about power.

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Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

What kind of voltage are you seeing now? I am seeing 14.5-15.0 on all the SSEi's I have. Any higher is not necessary.

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Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited

2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 55k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 95k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 260k | Official Bonneville Hauler

I see about 14.7v on average on mine.

Problem is, that "sensing" is quite annoying when I have my sound system turned up, even at moderate volumes that have never caused me problems before in other vehicles.

It seems that when the amplifier is pulling current (which lowers voltage a slight amount), the system wants to correct for it and raise voltage. That's fine and dandy, but when the bass ends, or the amp is no longer drawing that same current, the lights get brighter for a split second. I can actually see the voltage spike to 16v at times on the DIC.

With some music that has punchy bass, it causes an annoying voltage oscillation, in which the lights alternate between dim and bright. It's present even at low to moderate volumes (to a lesser extent of course), so I don't think I'm pulling more current than the alternator can provide. I really think it's just the "sense" mechanism not being quick enough to adapt to the changing current demands. I've had the same system in my previous vehicle, and it never did this; the lights may have gotten dim at high volumes, but nothing of this sort.

What's the rated current output on these alternators?

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Inferno Red 2009 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 125k

My system isnt exactly low powered and even when I had halogen lowbeams I never had that issue, even with the brights and fogs on.

IIRC its a 140A alternator.

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02 SSEi-Turning money into tire smoke, very efficiently.

Some cars have 125 (mine does) some have 140. It's in the RPO codes which one you have:

KG9 - generator, 140 amp
KG7 - GENERATOR 125 AMP

If you have another code, post it here and we'll figure it out.

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Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

Is the alt original? It could be just that, old and kinda worn. Im guessing your capacitor is of a sufficient size?

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I don't think he's having issues, I think he's trying to fix something that isn't broken.

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Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

Big boom booms, IMO....waste of money.

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