Amplifier & Battery/Alternator problems?

[percept 10+ year member]

I installed my component speakers this weekend running off a 4 channel 600watt amp. I'm not sure if i wired it wrong, but when I had the amp connected (disconnected now), my car was going crazy.

First, the speedometer and odometer stopped working and my battery and brake light were slightly on (on but dim). The next time i started the car and drove for about 15 minutes, my headlights and interior lights started flickering like strobe lights. I pulled over to disconnect my amp, but the engine wouldn't start. I had a friend come help me jump the car. The car started right up, but my headlights wouldn't work. I drove another 10 minutes or so before my car started puttering and the gas pedal stopped working. My car shut down again and i needed another jump. This time, i turned off my head unit and my buddy came out and jumped me again. We left the jumper cables on for a while this time hoping it would help. My car started fine this morning and has been running perfectly normal since i disconnected the amp.

Could it be that i connected the amp wrong? Could it be the remote wire? I wired it up to the blue wire/white stripe on my deck, assuming that's the remote wire (clarion dxz835mp). What do you think the problem is? Any help would be great. thanks.

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[95BlackGA 5,000+ posts]

Check the wiring for the amp, make sure there is no bare wire, make sure your power wire for the amp is not grounded on anything. Go over all wiring.

 

[gweenie 10+ year member]

its probably because of a weak battery. My car was doing that also at one point; the car wouldnt turnover, and when i had the keys in the on position, the gauges were going up and down. take that down to advanced auto or autozone to get it checked.