How to Charge a Capacitor for a Car Stereo System

Car audio capacitors are used in conjunction with car audio amplifiers. The capacitor is installed in the power line leading to the amplifier from the car's battery, and it holds a power charge that will quickly discharge to the amplifier when the car's electrical system cannot keep up with the power demands of the amp. This smooths out the power being supplied to the amplifier, resulting in improved audio performance. When you install a capacitor, you need to charge it after the initial installation. This is a job that the average do-it-yourselfer can do after he's installed the capacitor.

Things You'll Need

• 1K ohm resistor
• Alligator clips
• Voltmeter

Instructions

1. Open the fuse holder in the power line by twisting apart the ends of the fuse case. Pull the fuse out of the holder. Attach the leads on the ends of a 1K-ohm resistor to the metal tabs on the inside of the fuse holder, so that the resistor is serving as a bridge that allows voltage to flow through it.

2. Attach the clips on a voltmeter to the terminals of the capacitor. Attach the red clip to the positive (+) terminal, and the black clip to the negative (-) terminal. Switch the voltmeter on.

3. Monitor the voltmeter. When the reading reaches 12 volts DC, unhook the voltmeter. Unclip the resistor from the fuse holder, and then replace the fuse.

Tips & Warnings

• Some capacitors come with a resistor. Check in the box and the capacitor's manual.

References

• "Car Stereo Cookbook"; Mark Rumreich; 2005
• Car Audio Capacitor Installation