Is it normal for the battery voltage to fluctuate? It always hovers around 14-15, but moves up and down alot.

 

as long as it stays around 14 ur good, mine will wander a tiny bit below or over 14, but not much.

 

Ok, I just got an Optima Yellow Battery. With no accessories on it is usually above 14, but with lights, fogs, heat, and subs going it goes down a bit below 14.

Also, does excessive draw (sub-woofer) wear the alternator down quicker? And how long is the stock alternator good for? My car has 87k miles on it.

 

Does it flucuate when your bass hits? Does it do it when your stereo is off?

 

yes and yes

 

get a compasitor or however u spell it. also whats it matter if u kill ur battery u have a optima. it will always recharge

 

I'm not worried about the battery, more the alternator. Where can I find a compensator?

 

capasitor sorry dont know the spelling. lol. its the big cylinder looking thing that they use in stereo systems.

 

im sure u could get one where ever they sell audio stuff for cars. It just regulates the power so you don't get headlight fade and if you overload the system it cuts it off instead of blowing ur subs n what not. I had one when I had subs in my honda, worked like a charm.

 

Ok so i did a test yesterday at night. I turned on:

head lights (silverstars)
fog lights (silverstars)
heater (full blast)
CD-Player (Stock unit)
900W Amp (hooked up through rear speakers)
10" Dual Voice Coil Sub (full blast)

With all this my voltage was reading around 13. The more bass the lower it went, and the headlights dimmed a bit but it never went below 13. Does this sound about right?