[THS_Cruiser03]

Atrus,

Standard headlights run 55 - 80 watts, so a 35 watt draw from and HID ballast should not be a problem...right? Or theoretically even a 55 watt draw should be okay. If a 55 watt halogen doesn't flicker why would a 35 watt or 55 wat HID do it? The power consumption is less or equivalent.

Also, the engine in the car doesn't necessarily dictate what size the Alternator is, it's the option packages and available electronics you have. For instance I looked up on Napa and found the following items listed:

2006 Dodge Charger 2.7L V6 - Avalaible alternators are 140 or 160 Amp
2006 Dodge Charger 5.7L V8 - Same alternators listed...
- for comparison -
2006 PT Cruiser 2.4L I4 - Available alternators 100 or 130 amp (optional)

Chargers & 300c's have more options availble than PT's like back seat DVD systems, larger factory stereos w/amps, heated seats etc. So they would require a higher output electrical system than say even a loaded PT would require. Chargers/300c's are also sold from the factory with OEM HID lights - I wonder what the difference is between the HID car and the Halogen car?

I understand that when the engine is off the flicker goes away - that may be more to do with noise in the system than with actual voltage drops. If you turned off all the electronics in your car and ran your HID's a 100 amp alternator should have NO problem running two 35 or 55 watt HID balasts...right? Or if you run your standard halogen low beams and turn on your high beams that would be a MUCH higer wattage draw than the HID system (55+80= 135 x 2= 270 watts!).

I think the root cause on this has something to do with how each HID ballast handles the consistency of power coming off the alternator....you could test your electrical system and see if when your HID"s are on what happens to the voltage levels? Does it fluctuate? Stay constant? - If it fluctuates alot (say more than 20-30%) then you probably have a faulty voltage regulator and it only acts up under higher loads.

I suppose dropping in a 160 amp alternator (if you can even get one) for a PT might solve the flicker issue, but I don't know if that would be the right way to approach it.

I'm going for HID upgrade this spring and I'm concerned about this flicker issue as well.

Your thoughts,

Tom