starting prob

[95firebird]

So i just put in a amp and a sub and i have been having some problrms. The other day i went to walmart and was in there for maybe an hour went to start the car but it wouldnt start. The volt meter went all the way to 8 but wouldnt start the security came on. So i undid the amp played with it tried starting nothing so i went to to walk to see if someone could jump me found now came tired it again and it worked i have no clue whats going on



thanks

[poormillionaire2]

Could be a loose wire after you installed the stereo equipment. I don't think that stuff would be enough to overtake your alternator.

[wrightz28]

Something in your new sytem is constantly running and pulling the battery down. Anything under 12.2V on the battery and you're going to have a tuff time getting it fired.

Or,

Your alternator is nearly kauput and can't keep up with the suff installed anyway. But I would follow the first idea and get the batrtery to par, and check for amperage pull when the car is off and the amp n sub hooked up.

[blindeyed]

If your security light came on, then it's most likely your key. I know if I try to start my car while the key isnt pushed all the way in, then it will just click and the security light will come on.

[wrightz28]

Security light is low on the totem pole here, the 8 volts on the battery takes the cake.

[gmack221]

whats your volts when the car is running? if its above 14.4 your alternator is ok. take a test light and place it between the amp wire and the battery, if you get any kind of a light your amp has a draw to it which is draining the battery. You did hook up the wire that turns the amp off when the ignition is off right? should be the pink power antenna wire in the trunk (even if your car doesn't have a power antenna). If your amp is constantly on its going to drain your battery in a hurry. If you have everything hooked up right then i'd check the power wire for a shorted out spot (like where you pulled it thru the firewall or ran a trim screw thru it!). If you think the draw is in the amp there is an easy way to check that, disconnect the amp & do the same test light trick on just the wire (just leave the amp disconnected & make sure the bare wire isn't hitting any metal). good luck should be simple, test the wire alone before you tear it all apart.