electrical, possibly Alternator, issues

[adubon]

For the past month I have been having problems with my sony headunit and amplifier (powers 2 subs) turning off and on while driving. When I start the car they work, then turn off and randomly turn back on but not for long. Also, the tachometer somewhat stops working as well. The tach will drop directly to zero in between shifting gears, and come back up after it's in gear. For the first time, a couple times today while at a light some of the dash warning lights began flickering and making some noise while at idle.

I replaced the battery with an optima red last week, so I've been thinking it's got to be the alternator. As the z warmed up more and more everything began working better until I had no problems with the stereo or dash lights at all.

I am fairly confused, because if the alternator was bad would it start providing enough power after the car warms up completely?I have not had a chance to check it with a voltmeter yet.

Also there is a slight belt squeal at start up that goes away after the engine heats up. A few months ago the alt belt was squealing very badly so I tightened it to the proper deflection, it was new so I guess it just stretched out, and the squeal went away.

[evildky]

I'm gonna take a stab in the dark and say the troubble started when you installed the stereo?

step 1, the ground wire coming fomr the stereo, needs to be grounded to the chassis and NOT connected to the harness!

the belt squeal means one or more of your belts is loose, the PS belt is the one that seems to be the cause of squeaks most often due to it's difficult adjuster

[adubon]

I've had the stereo for over a year. The problem just started in early January. I had to go on a short drive today and had no problems. No belt squeal, and none of the electrical issues that had been happening.

The only difference with today is that it is very nice out, sunny in mid 70s. So I'm thinking maybe the belt is slipping when it's cold?

Also when I turn on the headlights, the clock under the stereo dims a good bit.

[evildky]

the clock si supposed to dim when the headlights come on, and some aftermarket stereo's have the same feature

and yes the cold will amke the belt slip worse, that confirms it's just a loose belt on the squeal, I still say disconnect the stereo and recheck for electrical issues

[adubon]

that's good to know about the clock.

I'll check the stereo wiring and make sure there's no problem with the ground.

thanks