okay, so I just installed my amp and capacitor and after charging the capacitor, I turned the stereo on to start tuning the amp and when I turned on the car, the stereo turns on and everything, but I get no sound

I turned it way up and nothing, did I mess something up?

 

Is the amp light even on?

 

I just messed around a little more and uninstalled the amp and cap and now if I turn the stereo all the way up I can hear a tiny bit of very distorted sound coming from the front passenger side speaker, but that's it

 

I'd check the connections of the amp and make sure your grounds for the deck and amp are secure. Also make sure that you set your gains properly (might not be the issue if you still have the problem when the amp is taken out of the equation). Also, you might be clipping the amp, setting off a protection mode.

 

It turned out to be the head unit that I was using. After replacing it with something else, it had no problems. I have also taken the capacitor out of the equation, not sure if it makes any difference, but it's just one less thing to go wrong in the system.

 

doesn't the capacitor allow you to keep a stable battery voltage while having the car on only accessories so it doesn't die?

 

I got it because it was recommended in the amp installation manual.

I am running an Odyssey PC912, so I probably don't need the cap anyway.

I am taking it out unless I am completely convinced that I need it, which from the opinions of others on car audio forums, I don't.

Maybe it is to help the stock batteries. Most times I don't just sit in the car with the motor turned off to listen to the radio anyway, but I have a voltage gauge on my battery that shows it keeping a constant voltage without dropping when the car isn't running and the stereo is on.

Does this ensure that a capacitor isn't needed for my setup? If it is there to simply keep a constant voltage from the battery when the car is off, then I don't need it because the voltage stays constant anyway without it.

Or am I just totally off on this and don't know what the heck I'm talking about? Everything aforementioned is mostly just speculation.

 

its just a little battery to supply more power when needed, it doesnt help with making your battery last longer, it'll just help your lights not flicker when your base hits. best way is no cap or 2nd battery.

 

what are the negative aspects of running a capacitor?

is there a way to test it to ensure that it's working properly?

 

yes use a good multi meter to check the capacitor. just dont get between the posts, if the cap is charged cause it will drain through you, kinda how a stun gun works

 

no negative aspects at all, capacitors hold power and act almost as a second battery making it easier on your battery / alternator to run all your electronics. It wouldn't be A MUST for that amp but if you have it use it.. caps also charge and discharge a lot faster than a battery there for better performance out of your amp.