i recently put in a stereo system for my 95f150 and now (about a week after the install) my truck seems like its having trouble starting. do i need a more powerfull battery that can handle the amp or what. thanks in advance for your help.

 

Have your battery load tested, clean all connectors, check alternator output. There shouldn't be a problem unless you listen to the stereo w/ the engine off more than you drive. Why? Is your amp the size of a small suitcase?

 

If you are using the stereo for hours on end without the engine running then either get a larger capacity battery or better yet a dual battery set up with one dedicated to starting or run the engine more often to charge the battery. If you aren't using the stereo then you have a drain on the battery resulting from the install (unless you did some other electrical work done at the same time). Trace your wiring make sure there are no shorts anywhere and that the wires are connected properly. The only wire on the stereo (usually) that has power all the time is for memory.
DT

 

What size amp are you running. I had a similar problem in my car with 2 12" mtx and 1800w amp. Just put in a 1.0 farad capacitor(rockford fosgate). It will hold the charge from the amp meaning less from the battery. Also you could turn down the gain on the amp if it is set to high that will also drain more from your battery.

 

thanks guys ill check that out here when i get off work. i was hoping that the battery was just bad since ive had it for about 4-5 yrs. By the way, the amp is just a 500watt amp used to power the speakers i got on the internet (no subs). so there really isnt much to power but like i said, something is up and i guess thats what i get for getting sum local people in a small town to install it for me instead of professionals.
The only time it has trouble starting mainly is in the mornings which has never been a problem for me before.