Battery Help!!!

[Athikerguy4life]

I installed my new audio system last week, and since having it installed I have been having trouble with my battery. It seems that If I run it too loud on a short trip it will drain the battery and it is very slow to start up the next time. I'm running my amp at 800 watts and the speakers are all running around 40 watts. Has any one else had this problem? If you have, what did you do to correct it? I'm looking at upgrading to an Optima yellow top battery. I don't want to get a higher performance alternator. Also, has anybody done the "big three" upgrade?

[Athikerguy4life]

Unfortunately it looks like I'll be needing that new battery sooner than I thought.. The car was incredibly difficult to start today. I thought for awhile that I might need to get a jump.. I have unplugged the amp until I can replace the battery.

[randy8876]

I installed a Yellow Top. Fits nicely and I'm able to use to stock battery terminal. I use the side post for aftermarket items.

[williamk10]

Picture of your Yellow Top?

OP, have you ever drained your battery before? It should last around 4 years before needing replacement. I have 2 amps in my car running my speakers and sub and I never had a problem starting up my car. I did replace mine recently as preventative maintenance tho.

[dhennessey]

if you want to test it, try running around with the stereo volume fairly low. If the battery still drains, then there's either something wrong with your charging system, or the battery is dying.

assuming proper install, as long as the amp isn't drawing more amps than the alternator can supply you should be charging your battery easily. If your charging system is not functioning properly, a new battery will only mask the problem.

[Athikerguy4life]

If I really crank it on a short drive it will have trouble starting the next time I need to go. I turned the subwoofer down to see if that helps any, but its pretty dissapointing..

[Andrews Chalmers]

A less than optimal (old) battery might have too low of a charging rate.

OTOH it sounds like your electric demands are too high for your alternator.

[Aaron_versa2012]

You need to purchase a Capacitor. at least 1 Farad. This will help take stress off the battery and alternator. Had my battery in my 2002 sentra forever thanks to a Cap. worth the investment! should only be around 50-60$ for one. but avoid your major retailers aka best buy etc. since they jack up the $

[Athikerguy4life]

I ended up getting a bigger battery to help with the demands of the amp as well as do the Big 3 upgrade. It also may have been problems with the fuel pump that caused the long crank times, rather than a dead battery.