Problem with Amp Turning off...

[Diabolicskull]

Hi guys, I am having a problem with my amp and music system.

I have a Sony XM-1252GTR 340 watts RMS x 1 amp connected to my Sony XS-L103P5 sub with 330W RMS, this is all in my 96 Accord.

When i first got the amp and sub I used to listen to it alomost full blast for a good hour before my amp started to give any problems, and even cutt off the bass.

The only problem actually was that my lights were dimmin when i drove at night with the music up.

I was recommened to get a capacitor, so i got a 3. farad power accoustic off ebay for about 40 bucks+ 20 shipping.

Point is that after i got all of this installed at the local music shop, the cap seems to have improved my bass responce and it seems to hit harder, but now my amp is heating up and cutting off the bass in about 10-20 mins tops with the music blasted. And also at night my lights still dim. The capacitor lights up and all and has this display that shows the voltage and stuff. Im curious because when the music is blasted and i look at the cap. it shows the volage dropping usually around 10-12volts, which is usually followed by the amp cutting off.

I tried a new battery from AutoZone, as recommended by the guy who installed my music....It didnt work, So i returned the battery and have a new problem.

The guy in autozone said lets try something since, the battery didnt work, we turned the music on, the lights, heater, everything. And the car turned off. Now i have the stock altenator, and am thinking about doin the "Big 3", do u guys think this will work , or will i need a new alt.?

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[buuzero 10+ year member]

Man, I DEFINITELY feel your pain. I have an '89 Acura Legend that has basically the same problem. My system is only a 120W RMS MTX amp pushing one 10" JL sub. I have replaced the alternator twice (didn't upgrade though) but haven't replaced the battery (got it tested like 10 times and they said it was good... I may replace it anyway though).

My amp cuts off after much less time, especially if I accelerate hard and then come to a complete stop a short time afterwards. Once I start lightly accelerating again, I hear the bass come in again, until the hard hits seem to "drain" the system and it cuts off again. This is all while my volume isn't even turned up that loud.

Well, I have tried the big 3 and it didn't help in my case. The system hit loud right after I did the connections, but after I let my car sit for a while (off) and then came out and did some driving, I noticed it was nowhere near as loud as when I tested it after the install, and it went right back to its lame weak bass/amp shutting off ways again. Needless to say, I uninstalled my big 3 connections because I have to take my car into the shop for something else (leaking radiator fluid) and I don't want to explain wtf is with the giant 1/0 wires under my hood.

Now, my theory right now is that I think my amp ground may not be as good as it should be. I am basing this off the fact that it seems my system kicks in hard if I have the battery disconnected for a while (which is what was going on while I was installing the big 3). So I am going to buy some more wire and maybe try to find a better grounding point for my amp. I still don't know if this is REALLY my problem, because I would think that the amp would drain the battery with the car off if it weren't properly grounded, right? Someone help me out on that one.

So, maybe you should check your ground for your amp, just know that someone out there feels your pain!