I'll try to make this as short as possible...my turn on lead wire runs right next to my drivers seat and it used to be separated so I would twist it together with my hand to make a connection(don't ask lol). Well this didn't work too well as the green power light would go on and off, but the main light would stay lit, so the amp was still getting power, it was just dormant i guess.

So today I unraveled some of that extra wire and made it a continuous, 1-wire connection from the amp to the fuse im using. Now it works a lot better, but not perfectly.

My main question is do I need a new alternator or battery? Keep in mind this amp is like 200 watts so its nothing special. Another noteworthy sign is the green power light would ALWAYS come on and the amp would get full power with the engine off, and the key in the accessory position. Now within the past couple days the engine must be on for it to work.

I checked the power wire's connection at the battery terminal, and the wire is a little dirty but it's a strong connection. I'm guessing that's not the problem, but it would be nice if there was a simple solution to this problem.

Lastly, I've used these same exact wires/amp/speakers in 3 different cars and for a whole year in the CL, just to let everyone know. Also, i've only put 6-7K miles on it since last July, so could lack of use be finally starting to weaken the battery?

 

Ok, first off check your ground cable. Make sure that it is in good contact with bare metal and secure. Next if you have a voltmeter check to see if you have a bad battery test from the posts you should get a reading somewhere around 12.5-13.5v dc with the car off and with the engine running somewhere around 13.5-14.5 v dc. If that checks out check to make sure that at your amps terminals you are getting the same voltage (or close some cars get voltage drops of up to .5 volts depending on the length of the wire and gauge). If that checks out than chances are your amp is the cause of the problems. Thats about all i can think of at the moment it's been a while since i t/s car stereo.

 

A 200watt amp shouldn't yeild any problems. Basically do what the guy above told you. I would check all the wiring before I call it the battery or alternator.

 

Ok, ill do that soon and report back. Interestingly enough, the green light on the amp will pulse on and off with the bass beat when then key is in the 'I' position and not work at all when it's in the 'II' position. Also, if the green light cuts off while im driving, some hard acceleration turns it right back on.

 

Update: The voltages checked out the same way jblaze said they would. I'm hoping I don't need a new amp. For now I'll wait it out I guess and see if other things cause the problem, liike turning the volume way up or running a lot of other accessories. I'll probably put a little switch on the turn on wire like i've done in the past, cuz all it needs is a reset usually to get it back in working order.

 

Just like the other members said check all of you wires. If you lose power and you hit the gas then its comes back on then you def. have lose wire...

 

So now i've noticed that while driving, not only does giving it gas turn the little green light back on, but so does putting the shifter into neutral. I don't get it. Obvioulsy somethings f'ed up but I wished I knew why stupid things like putting it in neutral while cruising down the road turn my amp back on.

BTW, this isnt bothering me much, because on some trips the amp doesn't go bad at all, but every now and again it's still horrible. And i don't feel like getting a new amp.