I had a system installed about 2 months ago, nothing big.....amp is a JL 500/1, running two polk mm2104's. Regardless, I didn't really take into consideration that such a small amp could cause battery problems, but it seems to be. The battery is the generic tooyota labelled one that came in the car (99 ES300), however it was replaced a year ago. The car has died on me twice in the last week, and each time it had died, it has been after some pretty pumped music.....so I figured I'd go a day or two without using the stereo to see If I cotinued to have problems. 2 days went by without issue, so I was driving last night, turned on the system so a mid-range volume and as soon as I pulled into the driveway and put the car in park my battery discharge light comes on, head lights flicker, etc, etc, etc.....

So, my question here. What do I do? I' not running a big enough system to consider a new alternator, nor do I really want a second battery....is this a matter of simply upgrading the battery or what should I be doing? Thanks!

 

A couple of options for you.....

Get a capacitor for the system.
Check that the alternator is up to snuff.
Check the battery for weak cells (may be bad now).
Check that the shop used the correct gauge wire for the amp (didnt use cheap 8AWG wire...etc)

 

Thanks for the reply bro......

Wiring in the system is either 2 or 4 gauge...I don't actually no for sure, but its absolutely massive. I'm going to go get the battery checked out right now....but if It is the battery, I will obviously need to replace that, but will a capacitator prevent this from happening again??? What does a decent cap cost?

Thanks!

 

A good cap will cost less than $100. While you are having the battery checked......make sure to test the alternator output....you may have a weak regulator....

 

just got back from the dealership.......alternators fine, volt regulator fine, they tested the battery and its fine too......service suggested that I ease up on the use of the heated seats, rear defrost and heat...something I had never even though of before, but makes perfect sense, once you get those going, along withthe headlights and sound system, you're suddenly using a hell of a lot of power. Damn Canadian winters!!!
Let's hope it doesn't get too cold, because I sure as aren't going without the stereo........

So, given that my battery is fine, would there be any merrit in upgrading to an optima yellow for example or not?