voltage drop after running the big 3

[pcummings32]

i just ran the big 3 and installed a XS Power D 3100 in my 2000 camry today and my voltage is only getting up to about 13.9 - 14.0V... before i ran the big 3 and installed the batt it was getting up to around 14.4 - 14.5V... any thoughts?

[KOZ89]

probably need a new alternator, i did that with mine and i gained a little with stock alt, or maybe a bad connection somewhere, did you crimp or solder your cables?

[teardrop]

check conections power and grounds and check fuses

[Robby Holmes]

big three doesn't increase the amount of power you get, it only increases the way of transporting it.

think of your power like a cup of water.

stock electrical is like drinking through a coffee stir straw

and after a big 3 upgrade its like drinking through a mcdonalds straw.

your going to need a new alternator to increase the amount of power your putting out

[larrys95civic]

Recheck your grounds, normally you won't see an increase in voltage it's an increase in steady amperage. I've never seen a decrease in voltage from it though so if you can post some pics of all your wiring and connections maybe we can diagnose from those.

[pcummings32]

ill have to check all my connections... i kinda doubt its bad crimps tho. all the wire that i used came out of my astro (which just died on me) but it didnt have any voltage issues. it was doing a 149.3 on music. i understand that i wont see a voltage gain and i also understand that the big 3 only allows more amperage to flow. what i cant figure out is why after running the big 3 ive lost almost half a volt.

[pcummings32]

also im looking into an alt for my camry... ive got a 300a excessive amperage alt in the astro and i guess i was pleased... i had belt slipping issues in the beginning but got em resolved... any suggestions for a 200+ amp alt for the camry?

[Tarball]

ill have to check all my connections... i kinda doubt its bad crimps tho. all the wire that i used came out of my astro (which just died on me) but it didnt have any voltage issues. it was doing a 149.3 on music. i understand that i wont see a voltage gain and i also understand that the big 3 only allows more amperage to flow. what i cant figure out is why after running the big 3 ive lost almost half a volt.

Did you clean your ground point down to metal ? Are you using 1/0 for the big three ? When was the last time your battery was topped off (is it brand new or used)?

Edited May 13, 2012 by Tarball

[sprkn_ranger]

Did you replace your stock wires? Or just add the new wires. Maybe try removing the big three and see if voltage goes back up.

[pcummings32]

yeah i ground down to bare metal and the xs d 3100 is new and topped off, the under the hood batt is old and could be replaced... i just added new wires and left the existing factory wires as well. i think im gonna start with getting a new batt under the hood and see what happens from there.