car wont start, possible short due to install

[kellogs908 10+ year member]

I just got done installing my new head unit, and after testing it out I was about to test out the amp. Right before I did that the radio suddenly turned off and wouldn't come back on. I checked to make sure all the connections where secure and they where. Got in my car the next day and the head unit turned right on. I decided maybe it was a fluke and that I would try hooking up the amp and sub. After hooking everything up the car refused to start. Lights on dash but it just sat there and made the click click click sound. Now I don't have any lights on in the car upon putting the keys in ignition. I tried to jump start it but nothing. I am going to try again today in the light, my friend may have not had the contacts on his battery right.

Any suggestions? what could be the problem? is it possible i somehow shorted everything out? pretty worried at this point and im not sure what to do. I should add that after installing the radio when I put the battery contacts back on the car, at first it wouldn't startup, I tightened them and then it did. The next morning it did not startup until I cleaned them more. I am hoping they just need cleaned more yet

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[I Like Waffle]

Go to the store and pick up some new terminals, yours are probably corroded and just old in general, correct? Battery terminals are only a couple bucks and sounds like they may fix your problem. Also pick up some of those anti corrosion pads, they work. Try adding some electrical conductive grease too, i always have. Make sure you clean the posts really good, coke soda works well for that, and a brilo or scotch pad.

 

[Slo_Ride 5,000+ posts]

Yep sounds like you have a bad connection at the battery. make sure everythings clean and tight.

 

[ktraughb 10+ year member]

im an installer and ive had so many frustrated days where if i just checked the battery terminals first i could have saved myself a lot of trouble. often times poor battery contacts can make these exact problems. especially being that you had just removed them. however, it would hurt to do a load test on the battery and make sure its cells are still in good shape. ive also had doors or dome lights on too long to where the battery died and never fully charged back up to where the car could start. make sure youre still getting 12 volts off the battery once hooked back up and if possible check it at the ignition. only if you havent solved it with new terminals of course.

 

[kellogs908 10+ year member]

it was the battery like I was hoping. I had everythign hooked up and it was all running great, took it in for an oil change this morning, and as soon as i got the car back the subs don't do anything. The amp power light is on, but the subs smell kinda funny, not sure if they broke them or its just a breaking in smell. I am gonna take apart and reconnect all connectiosn

not sure what else I should check for