Aftermarket Grounding Systems

[g_force58]

Does anyone here have an aftermarket grounding system installed and have you noticed any difference since installing it? In your opinion was it worth the expense? Brand name of the ground system? Not trying to be nosey, but just curious as to what benefits, if any can be gained. Thanks in advance.

[ZeroChad]

I did the DIY method just using 4ga wire and replacing all of the stock grounds. There is a howto on here for it. I did notice a good difference in the sound output of my sub though!

[g_force58]

Thanks Zerochad. I have noticed that my headlights dim and brighten a bit at cruising speeds. Checked the grounds for head and tail lights and ground strap from battery tray to bellhousing all seemed ok but brightened the connections anyway. Had battery checked and the alt. All were fine. Maybe it's me eyes or something but the wife says she has noticed it too. May check or replace the fuses next, could be corroded, idk.

[ZeroChad]

The grounds for the headlights are located on the core support. Right above the headlights. You can always unscrew them and sand the paint away underneath. That gives the connection a little more surface area.

[g_force58]

yup, did the sanding thing and no diff. But thanks for the tip. some peeps may not think of that. I brightened the terminals too. I love my Neon but sometimes it P*s*es me off lol! Oh well, gotta love em.

[darthroush]

My headlights had problems from the stereo system. I did the ground upgrade and haven't had a problem since.

[g_force58]

Thanks darthroush. I don't have an aftermarket sound system installed other than a JVC head unit and sony Xplode speakers......ehhh older guy here, but could the factory sound system ground be partly at fault? May try grounding the head unit chassis to a body part and see what happens. Just inspected the battery cables and they were clean, but cleaned them again anyway.

[darthroush]

My headlights were flickering when the sub was hitting. I'm assuming the grounding upgrade fixed the extra draw from that, so I haven't had a problem. I'd invest, $40 was it, and do the grounding upgrade. It'll help with everything.

[occasional demons]

Is the A/C or defrost on? The compressor clutch coil energizing/de energizing can cause the lights to flicker. My Jeep does it bad, not so much on the neon tho.

The grounding kit might help with that.


Edit: Oh yeah, There is no such thing as being "nosey" when it comes to asking for help or advise for your car. That's why this site is here.

Hell, you might find some members will spew stuff we really didn't want to hear.

[jrumann59]

The grounds for the headlights are located on the core support. Right above the headlights. You can always unscrew them and sand the paint away underneath. That gives the connection a little more surface area.

When you do this use soem dielectric grease it will slow the rusting afterwards and any galvanic related corrosion.

I would upgrade the ground to the alternator also. Maybe a bigger ground from your amp to the body.

[g_force58]

Thanks to all that replied. I can always count on good advice here . I appreciate it so much. Never thought about changing the ground size on the alt. The lights flicker with the a/c on or off so idk. Will give this a shot and see. What is a good site to get a decent ground system, or if they are pricey I may go the DIY route. I used to feel a bit nervous when asking for help or advice here, but now I have no reservations. We are at least virtual friends and a community of peeps that enjoy our cars and sport. This a great resource for anyone to use. Everyone needs help from time to time.

[jrumann59]

cheaper to make your own. just buy a 2 or 4 gauge amp wire and buy all the fork and ring terminals you will need. Many of the Brand "X" Ground Kits can actually make things worse. All you are doing is upping wire size so you lower the resistance the electricity has to travel accrose to get to ground. The farther you get from the battery the higher gauge the ground wire needs to be. that is why many use 2 or 4 gauge. Yuo can also set up a distro block off your ground on the battery and run a 2 or 4 back to the amp which will be a much sounder ground then to the body.

[nineball]

follow the walk-thru on this board. it explains everything you need to do, in detail, with pics. takes about an hour the first time you do it