Alternative Power Source

[FSEP]

So guys, has anyone tried to power their blinkies via a power source that isn't the main car battery?


The reason I ask is that my pos SUV hasn't been playing nice with my lights, especially in some of this cold weather we've been having. Between the blinkies, the wigwags, the wipers, the radio and the defroster, it's just way to much for my electrical system to handle. I've thought about going in and trying rewire it and such, but seeing that it is a pos and I want a new car, I rather save the couple grand I'd spend on fixing it to put towards a new ride.


So guys, have you tried powering your lights by other means?

 

[EMT-BLS]

So guys, has anyone tried to power their blinkies via a power source that isn't the main car battery?

The reason I ask is that my pos SUV hasn't been playing nice with my lights, especially in some of this cold weather we've been having. Between the blinkies, the wigwags, the wipers, the radio and the defroster, it's just way to much for my electrical system to handle. I've thought about going in and trying rewire it and such, but seeing that it is a pos and I want a new car, I rather save the couple grand I'd spend on fixing it to put towards a new ride.


So guys, have you tried powering your lights by other means?

Are you referring to other means of getting electricity (like solar panels on the roof), or just having a "jumper pack" with a cigar plug on it?

 

[Hoser]

What lights are you talking about? Little more info would be great.

 

[FSEP]

Are you referring to other means of getting electricity (like solar panels on the roof), or just having a "jumper pack" with a cigar plug on it?

More so a "jumper pack"/secondary battery type of deal.

 

[FSEP]

What lights are you talking about? Little more info would be great.[/quote_]

Whelen dual talon, two rear single talons and a wigwag switch. Currently the talons are ran through the cig lighter. However, even while just using the wigwags, it has issues with keeping full power to the headlights and other electronics.

 

[EMT-BLS]

More so a "jumper pack"/secondary battery type of deal.

Secondary battery is not that huge of a deal, based on what I've seen on the board history. Just get the second battery, and attach it to the first with appropriate sized wiring. I don't know how it would interact with alternators, and ignition, so be sure to ask someone a bit more professional than a username on a screen.

 

[MEVS06]

You will need a bigger alternator if your are already having electical issues with that little of draw from the minimal lights you have. If you are adding a second battery you need a battery isolator.

 

[CovertLights.com]

2nd battery is a great option but first what suv is it?


wig wags and normal radios shouldnt be to much for any with a good alternator and a good battery


year make mod?


many of the older trucks had options for alternators so that could be ur best / first option

 

[Jarred J.]

it could be a sign that the current battery/alternator you have now could be getting ready to go out.


go to a local car parts emporium and have them tested.

 

[FSEP]

2nd battery is a great option but first what suv is it?
wig wags and normal radios shouldnt be to much for any with a good alternator and a good battery


year make mod?


many of the older trucks had options for alternators so that could be ur best / first option

It is a 1998 Honda Passport.


I was having alternator problems earlier in the year, so I took it to the shop and they replaced it, but even after that I still had problems.


I've ran her hard over the years, so I'm not shocked shes starting to give

 

[MESDA6]

Found some info on Edmunds.com that indicates the grounds on the Passport tend to corrode and need to be fixed. Look in this forum posting part of the way down the page, one of the users made a list of the grounds that they cleaned up to eliminate problems similar to yours. Might be a cheaper fix than buying a jump pack or secondary battery.


Honda Passport Electrical Problems - Car Forums - Edmunds

 

[Carlos SpicyWeiner]

Found some info on Edmunds.com that indicates the grounds on the Passport tend to corrode and need to be fixed. Look in this forum posting part of the way down the page, one of the users made a list of the grounds that they cleaned up to eliminate problems similar to yours. Might be a cheaper fix than buying a jump pack or secondary battery.

Honda Passport Electrical Problems - Car Forums - Edmunds

Yes... it was a common thing on the isuzu rodeo/honda passport. That charging system (when functional) shoud have no issue handling the draw from your emergency equipment. I was an assistant service manager at a ford, hyundai, mazda, and isuzu dealership for 7 years before becoming a leo

 

[Abacus]

A heavy duty alternator / "police pack alternator" and a quality battery will be what you need. Also look at upgrading renewing the battery leads and connectors as over time they do need replacing.