Hello:

I have a '99 Lexus GS with only 51,000 miles on it. The car has a complete trunk audio system with 4 amps, 2 big subs, 2 capacitors, neon etc.

When I turn the car off, I get a long beep sound coming out of the trunk that seems to indicate that something hasn't turned off yet. Somehow the power is being drained because my caps read 9.81 volts immediately after shutdown. I have trouble starting the car.

The car is not holding its cahrge from when I drive. On a few occassions, I have had the battery light come on for only a second, but it indicates that something is draining the power.

I'm not an electronics wizard so I ask.
Do I just need a new battery?
Is something wired wrong with my audio that is drainign all of my power?
Why is the battery not being recharged after I drive the car for 30 miles?
Could it be that the capacitors are my problem?

I did check the engine belt and it is not loose, so I don;t see that as being the problem.

Your help and suggestions would be most appreciated.

Ted

 

so basically you're trying to power the world with the stock alty?

i'd go have a local audio store (a car audio store) take a look... they can actually find the problem

--possible alternator problem (not enough power for subs)
--not enough power from source (maybe a new batt--better yet, another one)--pure source

thought i had a similar problem

Just today i got my amp back... Fried because of how big my system is (tuning it)... im running a pure battery source (optima) in my trunk and thats not enough for my 2 9500 12"s *Mtx...
a battery transferer... switches the power from the alternator --battery to battery depending on whats currently running... still doesnt help due to JDM alternators

with my whole setup--which is similar to yours with the exception of my extra battery-- is Draining my alternators power (100amps-stockie gs)

i just ordered a high output - high idle alternator----when at idle, 200amps are circulating.. allthough its costing my near $700 ill finally have no problems with power or draining my amps batteries or blowing anything up...

someone else can chime in ... just thought id share so you get an idea maybe

 

start to eleminate these possible options:

1) Crappy old battery

2) crappy old altenator

3) cap keeps pulling from battery after shutdown and sounds the low voltage alarm when it drops below 10v

4) amps are wired improperly and causing a bad ground and drawing power from the battery
causes: remote wire connected improperly
or
sound is from amps going into protection mode

 

thnaks for the leads guys.

MoreMGD:

Why wouldn't the car regenereate power after driving for long stretches? As soon as you shut off the car. It has trouble restarting immediately thereafter.

Ted

 

since the car is old and low mileage, im assuming it has been garaged for a while?

if so maybe battery's life is up

usually old battery + little mileage = dead battery

also is the turn-on remote wire wired properly?

 

this is the 3rd battery that i've had in the car.


How would I know if the alternator has gone bad? BTW, what exactly does it do anyways?


I am stopping at the audio shop on Saturday and have them look @ the possible fixes that you all have mentioned.

i tried starting the car this morning and it was a complete no-go.

Ted