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Alternator Help & FAQs
Crystal Audio Solutions
Alternator Help & FAQs
Use this page for Crystal Audio Solutions information, support, and shopping guidance. If you are planning a car audio build, CAS can help connect the details on this page with the right products and installation path.
Please take a couple of minutes to read this information before installation. Many common questions are answered below and can save you hours of wait time.
Serpentine or V-Belt OEM LookupLooking for the proper belt size but don't know what your original belt size is? Use our OEM belt finder and belt-size chart, or contact any auto parts store (we prefer NAPA). We suggest ordering two or three shorter belts to avoid multiple trips to the store. Return the sizes you do not use. CLICK HERE FOR BELT LOOKUPUse our belt chart to first find your factory belt. Once you have found your belt number (for example, 5060468), look up that part number and select the appropriate shorter belt size using our belt chart. CLICK HERE FOR BELT CHART LOOKUPExamples:5060460 6PK1170 46.06 46.72 .82 6 W (3/4 shorter)5060463 6PK1175 46.25 46.91 .82 6 W (1/2 shorter)5060465 6PK1180 46.50 47.16 .82 6 W (1/4 shorter)5060468 6PK1185 46.75 47.41 .82 6 W (original belt)Belt size and tension:A smaller diameter pulley is normally supplied unless otherwise stated to ensure you receive the maximum idle output. DO NOT SWAP OUT ANY PARTS FROM OUR UNIT OR YOUR WARRANTY IS VOID! A shorter belt is usually required, usually about a half-inch shorter on average. We recommend purchasing three shorter belts to avoid multiple trips to the store. Ensure your belt has the correct tension. A loose, slipping belt can prevent the alternator from functioning properly and cause premature failure.
Boosted Harness:
Need to charge higher than OEM voltage? Select our boosted-harness option. With this option, your harness will arrive with the required diode installed. You can select from three charging-voltage options: 15.3, 15.5, or 15.7 volts.
Big 4:The alternator's positive cable runs to the battery's positive terminal. The battery's negative cable runs from the battery to the vehicle's chassis. The chassis grounding cable runs to the engine block.We recommend adding a fourth ground cable that runs from a clean, exposed-aluminum part of the alternator's rear casing to the vehicle's chassis for increased voltage output. Ground lugs have been strategically placed for use on our powder-coated units.Powder-coated units:Powder coat on alternators is a “ground killer”. Many people assume the alternator is not working when the steps above have not been completed properly. Proof of voltage and amperage output was provided to show that we shipped you a functioning alternator. If your unit is not charging or has LOW voltage, you need to verify that you did the above steps correctly. Most of the time, we find that a step was skipped such as the extra ground from ALTERNATOR TO CHASSIS, so we added a ground lug for an added ground option.Low charging voltage, low idle RPM, or no charging after installation:See “Big 4” and Belt size and tension topics above. Most issues are resolved with the first two steps. If you replaced your belt, pull on your belt by hand. If you can pull on the belt and feel it lifting, then your belt is still loose. Idle speed must be at least 650 RPM to achieve maximum performance. Testing your alternator to verify output:If you do not have a clamp meter for voltage or amperage testing, please purchase one. Clamp meters are inexpensive and provide the safest way to test your alternator's voltage and amperage.Please DO NOT disconnect your alternator from the battery while the car is running to test your alternator. This is the quickest way to do damage to your newly installed unit (and we can tell). Doing so voids your warranty.One-Wire Alternators and/or Plug Harnesses (if supplied):If you ordered your alternator as self-energizing or one-wire, please remember that you no longer need to use the car's harness that was once plugged into your old alternator. This harness can be “tucked” away. Connect only the positive battery cable to the positive post on the alternator and you are ready to go. If you received a plug harness with a loose "blue/Sense" wire, connect it to the alternator's positive post. Voltage-bypass harnesses are explained in the videos above.Voltage Bypass or PCM/ECU Bypass:Unless otherwise quoted or instructed, our units come supplied with the OEM voltage output for plug-and-play alternators. Voltage settings quoted are already built into the voltage regulator inside the alternator. Remember that on PCM- and ECU-controlled vehicles, the vehicle's computer controls charging voltage. If you are looking to bypass your PCM or ECU control, those options are available. Contact us, and we can customize a voltage setting for you and your batteries. If you received a plug harness with one loose wire, connect it to the alternator's positive post.Rear-Foot Delete Options:Some of our high-output alternators may arrive without one of the rear mounts of the alternator. In order to build a “True” High Output alternator, we have to eliminate the rear alternator mount at times. These alternators still fit, and in most cases you simply need a spacer and locknut to hold the alternator to the engine mount. Battery Reserve Recommendations:Battery reserve is critical for ensuring your high-output alternator performs as expected. Simply getting a high-output alternator and using a "Walmart" battery will not prevent ongoing voltage drop.We recommend the following for proper reserve:
AGM Batteries: 50AH for Every 1k Watts
If you are running 5,000 watts then you need 250AH of Battery Reserve
Lithium Batteries: 10AH for Every 1k Watts
If you are running 5,000 watts then you need 45–50 Ah of Lithium Reserve.
Technical assistance:
If you need any technical assistance, please contact us or AutoTech first.
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