Arcadian

Hey guys,
I bought a used Nakamichi amp a few days ago for my 2000 GS400. This morning, a few minutes from work the radio starts cutting out, with the radio display going dark as though I'd switched the radio off. As I pull into my parking space the headlights go dark, engine stalls and it dies. I cycle the key off then to start and there is NOTHING not even enough juice to turn on the warning lights, instrument lights. The alarm light is even just barely glowing. So, did the used amp take out my battery? my alternator? both? the battery is 2-3 years old. Any one else had similar experience?

CAKETOWN

iTrader: (7)

Either your battery went on vacation or your alternator did, i'd get the battery tested and see if it's still good, if it is, then the car should start, i'd then check to see your reading from the alternator. It might have something to do with the amp, you didn't really say what you did with it, or it could be a coincidence.

Arcadian

Thanks CAKETOWN. The used amp was from a GS400 that was written off in a fender bender. It plugged in fine, worked fine for a few days then today's event. It did not appear to be tampered with. It does seem this car needs a well charged battery to function. (My battery is a Lexus brand from the dealer).

Blaze876

iTrader: (1)

Seems like just a coincidence. Since your car was running when it happened I think its your alternator and not your battery. The symptoms you described is exactly how the 2gs behave when the car is running and alternator is bad. The radio goes out first then a few seconds later the engine starts to die.

CAKETOWN

iTrader: (7)

I'd charge the battery and then get it tested(it might have a dead cell or two) can't check a dead battery so i'd start there, also check for corrosion around the battery terminals and clean it. If the battery is good then the car will start but will only stay charged if you get a reading of around 14.1-14.2V. If the alternator reading is under 12.6, the car will constantly drain the battery until it dies and it will act all weird like blaze876 said as the car gets down to almost no power. You'll need a multimeter to check these things if you don't already have one, a great investment.

BiGEZ

iTrader: (24)

I had similar issue awhile back turned out my alternator failed. Replaced it with a new one problem solved.

Arcadian

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Problem solved! The AMA Roadside Assistance guy checked the battery cables and the negative was loose. But, when he put a wrench on it, it was still loose. Turns out there's a plastic spacer and sleeve to hold the terminal boot on that also limits tightening the bolt. After time, repeated tightening and corrosion/vibration put slack in the clamp. So, removed the plastic spacer and snugged it up. Long explanation for a silly problem. Thanks again guys.

CAKETOWN

iTrader: (7)

Glad it's fixed, but i would still do those checks for peace of mind, nobody likes getting stuck somewhere, especially when they have places to be.