Here it is: I had a stereo system installed in my '89 RS a couple months back. The electrical system in my car has since gone to hell. First the battery died, so I figured it was old and that it needed to be replaced anyway. That was 11 batteries, 3 alternators, 1 ECM, 1 new cigarette lighter, 3 visits to a local mechanic, 2 visits to the dealership, hundreds of dollars, and two AAA towing services ago. Every time somebody thinks they have "fixed it," it is dead a day later. Whenever I come to a stop, the car surges and with every surge, the volt gauge drops a notch, all the way down to the red. But this only started after I replaced the alternator for the first time, long after the problems began. All fuses are just fine. There must be something that all of these professionals are missing. I'm on the verge of rolling my car off a cliff. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

What did you have installed? I'm asking because if it was an amp and subs or something maybe they didn't route the power wire properly and its shorted, or the amp is not turning off with the radio, something like that. Give us some more info

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'87GTA w/ SLP Cold Air, MSD Coil, Airfoil, Gutted MAF, AFPR, TES Headers, HI-FLOW CAT, Flowmaster Catback, Energy Suspension Master Bushing Kit

 

The system I had installed consisted of two sony 4x6's, two sony 6x9's, two sony 10" dual voice coil subs, a kenwood head unit, one rockford fosgate 600W x 4channel amp, and one alpine 80W x 2channel amp. The fosgate is running the subs and 4x6's, and the pioneer is running the 6x9's. I had all this stuff except the head unit and 4x6's in my previous vehicle with no problems. The strange thing is, one battery died without ever being connected to the amps at all. The problem must lie with the wiring for the head unit because after I paid $260 to have the cigarette lighter replaced (dealership said this was drawing off the battery continuously), the head unit started to reset its memory every time the ignition is turned off. The manual says this is a problem with the wiring. I'm no electrical expert, so I really don't know how to go into anymore detail than that. One shop told me that the stereo installers shorted out the quad driver in the ECM that controlled the cooling fan. I replaced the entire computer and the problems continue. I hope this helps and THANKS TO ANYONE WHO TAKES TIME TO GIVE SOME ADVICE.

 

Do you still have the stereo installed? If so, you really need to go in there and disconnect EVERY power wire and EVERY ground wire associated with your amp and headunit. Drive around like that and see if your problems continue. I also think its about time you try to do some of your own work. It sounds like you have really been getting raped by the mechanics. $260 bucks to replace the cig. lighter? Sorry, but that is just wayyyyyy too much for that small of a job! Do you have any days off this week? Let me know so I dont make any plans that day. Wednesday would be best for me. Maybe I can help you find out whats wrong. Let me know man.

 

Unhooking the system was going to be my next step. I could really use some help. I sent you an email. Thanks.