Rich27

iTrader: (9)

While driving today, my aftermarket head unit kept shutting on and off. It would power completely off for a second or two and then power on. Music would play for a few more seconds, then it would power down and repeat the process. I checked the battery terminal and it is solid. The battery is new and not even 6 months old.

I have a Eclipse Navi Head Unit with a 6 Channel Amp and two small subs. Everything has been working well for 5-6 years. This is the first time I have experienced this type of issue.

Any ideas? Bad amp or alternator?

Thanks for the help!

Infamous 1

iTrader: (20)

Check the wiring behind the headunit and make sure that nothing came loose.

starfyrels

iTrader: (2)

To rule out the alternator you can pull it and get it tested. To test that quickly to rule out a bad alternator test your voltage to the batt when the car is rested and then start the car and rev the engine a bit while testing the voltage. Set the volt meter or multimeter to the DC scale and measure the voltage across the battery terminals - red lead of the voltmeter on the positive terminal, black on the negative. You will need someone to rev the engine while you connect the meter to the battery.
With the engine at a fast idle, the voltage on the meter should read around 14 volts (13.5 to 14.4). The alternator needs to generate a larger voltage than the battery's rated voltage to overcome the internal resistance of the battery. Then do a voltage test with your sound system on if you can. Report back with the numbers. Another quick way is to turn on your car and your bright lights, let it run for a bit and then remove the pos+ side of the battery terminal while its runing. If the car stalls and dies -- replace the alternator but get it checked first.

Then you can remove the power from the amp and turn on your radio and see if thats causing it. You should have a cap installed so it doesnt kill your battery.

I'd take out the headunit and test it out with a smoke alarm battery, or the car battery directly to rule out anything wrong with the headunit. I know best buy would test the headunits if you brought them into the store but I'm not sure if they still do.

avy327

iTrader: (1)

Most likely alternator , jus look at ya dash and see if the battery light starts blinking when it does it .

Rich27

iTrader: (9)

Update:

Voltage was showing 12 volts. Went ahead and had the alternator replaced and that resolved the issue.

Thanks for the help!