Sterio Woes

[Megalo]

Lately I've been having problems with my stereo volume going up & down. (Yea, yea, & my dash lights & headlights flicker. But don't all Cougars) But this stereo thing is really bothering me! I only have the factory stereo installed!

My gauges go all the way to max, then to zero when I start my car. So I think it's the alternator. I took it to AutoZone to have it tested, but they said the battery voltage was < 11.5, & it needed to be fully charged to get an accurate reading of the alternator amps.

So... I dont know if it’s the battery or the alt.

Also, I'm planning on installing a 1350 watt stereo system soon. What should I do to ensure my car has enough power?

[scrupul0us]

if your car is doing a diag sweep EVERYTIME you start your car that means the ECU is being reset everytime you turn off the car... battery prolly isnt holding a charge and needs to be replaced

autozone should have offered to charge your battery OR test the battery... Advance Auto is better IMHO, start there and get back to us... good luck sir!

[Megalo]

Thanks scrupul0us. I went to Advanced auto parts & they were very helpful. My battery tested bad. It's about time for it to die anyways. It’s ~ 3 years old. So I bought an Optima Yellow Top. It's gona need some modifying to get the wires to reach. Any ideas?

I have some background in soldering. Maybe just make some extensions...???

Anyway, I have to have a good battery before they can know if my alt is bad. But the check battery light never comes on, so thats a good sing right?

[GrandMasterKhan]

actually it means your gauge cluster memory is being reset everytime you start your car. It could be a fuse. Check it. (among other problems)

[99CougarNy]

i was going to guess fuse as well ... its a 7.5 amp fuse, i forget which one ... do all of your overhead lights work. as well as ur power mirrors?

[scrupul0us]

IIRC the battery light is a function of the alternator... when my battery was dieing i never got a battery light... but if my serp. belt slips (lotta road water) and the alt isnt charging the battery the light does come on momentarily

[Megalo]

actually it means your gauge cluster memory is being reset everytime you start your car. It could be a fuse. Check it. (among other problems)

Where might I find these fuses you speak of?
Sorry... I've never needed to check any fuses before.

[scrupul0us]

theres a fuse box under the drivers side of the dash and one under the hood... your manual can show u this

[Drewmanfu0]

I bought a red top and had no problebs getting the wires to reach. need to clean up the look of the stock ground terminal with a new one but thats it.

[Megalo]

I bought a red top and had no problebs getting the wires to reach. need to clean up the look of the stock ground terminal with a new one but thats it.

I finally got my yellow top in. Took some work though. My dimming problem has improved dramatically! Ill have to wait till tomorrow to see if my stereo volume problem has cleared up. It seems to only do it > 6:00 PM on REALLY hot days.

[Megalo]

i was going to guess fuse as well ... its a 7.5 amp fuse, i forget which one ... do all of your overhead lights work. as well as ur power mirrors?

All of my overhead lights work, & power mirrors too.