Situation is driving me nuts. I installed the audio system in my car (4 speakers, a sub, and 2 amps). It's been in there for years but just recently it started putting a strain on the electrical system.

When I press the brake all the lights in my car dim, and in worse cases the audio system shuts off completely due to lack of juice. My car also has a real hard time starting as well. Disconnect the amps from the battery and everything's back to normal.

Replaced the battery in late 05, replaced the alternator 1 month ago, changed grounds on the amps (sanding until the metal is shiny) and still the same problem.

Think I should take it to a mechanic or car audio install place?

 

one could be drawing alot of current, the power supply could be messed up. Unplug the ground 1 amp at a time see which amp is causing the problem.

 

What gauge wire are you running? Have you done the big 3?

 

dcman- i thought about that too, but both amps seem to cause the problem. The sub amp (drawing 1000w+) just does it quicker.

djfrestyl- it's two 4g power cables, one to each amp. The connection to the battery is simple; both are on the long stock screw with a nut on the end. What's the big 3?

 

Big 3:
Battery negative to chassis
Battery negative to engine block
Battery positive (fused) to alternator positive.

Use 0awg

 

1st do that ^

2nd get a less hideous avatar.

However the thing im wondering is why would it work well for one year then out of nowere just start putting a strain on your elec when it wasnt dimming until now? Id personally have both your battery and charging system checked. I think something else may be going on.

 

on the electrical system. The alternator you put in might be defective. Or even the battery.

 

k, I'll bite the bullet and take it to the mechanic when it starts screwing up again.

Just want the problem to go away. Even thought about starting from scratch with a used Altima 2.5s ;p

 

Take the car to wal-mart with a tire and lube, have them test the battery and alternator. It's free.


2.5s FTL. If you do that start with a 3.5 minimum!!!!! 2.5 is trash

 

My mom drives teh 2.5

 

+1 - "2nd get a less hideous avatar" lol