Audio System Causing Short?

[kadinh]

I’m pretty much out of ideas on how to fox my issue and want to see if any more experienced members have some thoughts…(lots of details to follow, hopefully providing enough detail to resolve the issue)

Everything has been going fine since installing my audio system a few years ago (previous thread of mine) except the occasional message that the Maestro unit was disconnected for a few seconds or the radio would restart (I think due to overheating occasionally). A while back my driver rear speaker wasn’ didn’t have any output, but that wasn’t a priority at the time.

A few months ago my wife went to turn on the car and there was nothing…no clicking, no engine turning…just dead. I have a portable jump starter and got it started right up. I thought it was strange since I have a new optima red top battery; after starting the car, the battery showed

13.7V. Hadn’t happened since.

I went to the post office one morning, car started like it always does, I went inside the post office, came back out, unlocked the car with the fob, interior lights were on. I turned the key and……dead again. I got the jumper out and started the car, it started but died right after revving up. I waited a few seconds and it fully started up. I thought it was because it was colder outside but it happened again a few days later, exact same thing. Now it’s gotten to the point that I’m not sure if the car will start or not.

Here are some observations:

- amp is installed under front passenger seat

- everything works, even accessories, up until the point key is turned to ignition position

- car did this on Thursday last week, I was getting out to get the jumper and my wife opened the passenger front door and all the light came back on, car started w/o jumping.

- the next day, it died again. My wife was by herself and called her bro in law who is a mechanic. He advised her to check the amp under the seat. She couldn’t see it so she slid the seat back, lights came on, car started

- the next day, it died on me, same process as usual. Accessories work, lights on, car loses power, first jump car dies after turning over, second time runs normally.

- checked the fuses on the amp and some (not all) fuses under hood, none are blown. I didn’t check the other ones since they don’t seem to pertain to this issue.

- after car dies/starts, all radio settings are retained and not erased

- I have a URD MAF sensor calibrator installed as well

I haven’t been able to work on it since Saturday because I got the flu. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. I have attached pics with the amp connections and ground for amp. I can take more photos if it would help to troubleshoot. Thank you very much everyone!

 

[fkheath]

My thoughts are it may not have to do with your sound system.

13.7 volts with the engine running is a bit low. Should be 14 volts or a bit higher. Why is it low? Could be something is taking too much current and the alternator can't keep up, or the alternator could be dying.

What is the battery voltage when the car is off (and has been sitting for a few hours)? Should the a bit over 12 volts. If not, your new battery may be bad.

First step would be to find out why the charging voltage is low. Might disconnect the power to your sound system and see if the voltage returns to above 14 volts. Otherwise, have your alternator tested.

 

[Jeremy556]

I would start with load testing battery. Optimas are not what they used to be. Then eliminate your modifications (remove amp fuse and disconnect aftermarket radio) and see if the problem persists.

 

[gakattack]

I would get your alternator checked, along with your battery. I had something very similar happen with my Maxima (with an upgraded audio setup), but with an Optima Yellow top. Battery exhibited the same symptom as yours, once, then it was fine after I jumped it. At this time, I also upgraded the alternator.

On a side note, I *HIGHLY* recommend that you clean up the wiring around your power and speaker terminals. I'm seeing some loose wires around your power and pulled out speaker wires.

Look into getting wire ferrules (example from Amazon) and heat shrink tubing. Your wires should look something like this:
https://www.f150forum.com/attachmen...minal-ends-amp-power-connections-photo696.jpg

for the smaller speaker terminals, look for a ferrule kit that includes the crimping tool.

 

[kadinh]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will try them out and come back with what I find.

 

[flyrv9]

First one of those 2 big wires connected to the back of the unit looks like it's overheated and is discolored. Next I'd redo those grounds - clean off the rust and remove the coating on the metal buy burnishing or grinding it off so you have good ground contact. High resistance ground can cause overheating. Check your work with a meter. It should read almost a dead short (your ground connection to another known good bare metal ground point. Once you have that fixed, then coat ground connection to prevent rust or corrosion with some sealant - nail polish works.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Definitely go to Advanced Auto and have them load test your battery and alternator, like others mentioned, Optimas are not good quality at all anymore and I had nothing with problems with them after they moved their manufacturing to Mexico.

Second thing, that ground is ridiculous and unsafe, please redo the ground and find a proper way to mount to the chassis. I have my amp mounted under my passenger seat, and found a ground in the passenger side pillar where the seat belt is located, I used that ground and it's worked great for years.

 

[gakattack]

Optimas are not good quality at all anymore and I had nothing with problems with them after they moved their manufacturing to Mexico.

This is 100% correct. After my yellow top dies, I'm searching for something else to put in my car.