problems with hookn amp up to power source on 98 trans am

**wnarunm** · 03-13-2013, 07:53 AM

i am having problem with install, my daughters 98 trans am has aftermarket alpine cd player and i have a box installing with 2 10 " subs and a 1200watt amp, got everything wired and working but when i go to start car super hard to start then when running has surges in it. i unhook the power to amp and runs/starts fine. i have the power source wire ran to the stud that one of the positve battery wires runs over to under hood on drivers side by fuse block.is this not correct place to put it? any help is appreciated.

**KMdef9** · 03-13-2013, 08:52 AM

When you say hard to start, do you mean the cranking strength sounds weak? Does it take more cranking for the motor to start?

I would double check the tightness of the positive cable. If it's loose, the amp could be drawing all the power.

Next, I'd inspect your wires for damage. Both positive and negative cable for the amp.

Try running the car with the cd player off.

**wnarunm** · 03-13-2013, 10:09 AM

it turns over slow and when starts has surge in engine ,but when i unhook stereo runs fine.

**KMdef9** · 03-15-2013, 08:53 AM

Did you check the connections at the battery?

**Sas** · 03-15-2013, 04:43 PM

That sounds like a bad connection somewhere.

**LoneGunman** · 03-19-2013, 07:43 PM

You should run the amp power wire directly to the battery.

**Nutball** · 04-02-2013, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by LoneGunman

You should run the amp power wire directly to the battery.

Agreed.
Maybe there is a problem with the amp itself though. Try putting in an inline switch to those amps first. Start the car, then engage the switch. See what you get. I have a switch on my dash for my amp..... since it only runs my subs...
Just my 2 cents.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 04-02-2013, 08:02 PM

I've had systems installed for over a decade on my Camaro's and I've always used the positive post that the OP is using. Something else is wrong imo.

Start with the basics: tight connections, undamaged wiring, secure negative/ground to the chasis, and make sure if you hid the wires under the plastic molding you didn't screw into a wire when putting it back together.

I would also double-check that you hooked the amp/s up correctly.