I've had a red top for 3 years now that appears to be dead.
Should I replace it with another red top, or should i go for a yellow top.
I have 2 amplifiers making about 1100 watts.
TIA.
I had a red top in my Contour that was used for 3 years prior and lasted 3 years on my Tour. Had amps and stuff it's whole life.
I dunno what the problem is. I posted in troubleshooting but have gotten no answer yet. But, the battery is definitely drained. I tried to jump the car but it made no difference. The only thing i can think of is when i go to start the car the amps use all the juice. Since it's so drained i don't know if it'd be a good idea to get it going, since it's probably just going to die again.
A drained battery is not usually the fault of the battery. It is from either A) bad alternator not putting out enough amperage or B) too much use (accidental or intentional) of electrical items with the engine off.
I will tell you this. Whether you get another red top or a yellow top (I have yellow top now, but had red tops in my previous car) make sure the alternator is ok too.
i really do think the alternator might be on it's way out, it makes some weird loud whining sounds from time to time...mostly in the wet.
However, this thing with the battery happened after the car had been sitting for a couple of weeks. I found it odd though, because i've never ever had a problem like this before, and with the beater the car has been sitting alot.
i am on my 3rd red top in 3 years.
the first one lasted almost 2 years and then it wouldnt hold a charge.
it would be dead in 3 days.
searched for an electricla problem but never found one.
then the last one decided to swell and spew battery acid all over my engine compartment at SZ.
blah.
here's what the problem is, you're trying to power accessory items, like amps and subs. red top isn't for that. it's for starting your car. if you need to power those things, buy a YELLOW TOP. it will out last probably 5 red tops that are being powered by stuff. that's why they make yellow top. for your subs and amps and neons and whatever else you want.
Originally posted by Rickabod:
here's what the problem is, you're trying to power accessory items, like amps and subs. red top isn't for that. it's for starting your car. if you need to power those things, buy a YELLOW TOP. it will out last probably 5 red tops that are being powered by stuff. that's why they make yellow top. for your subs and amps and neons and whatever else you want.
Agreed, However If You Need Power To Get By On Until You Can Pick Up A Yellow Top, Take That Optima To Any Place That Sells International Batteries And Have Them Put It On Their Trickle Charger For A Day. Those Damn Optimas Take For Ever To Bring Up To Full Charge. I Experienced The Same Problem With One Of Mine Five Years Ago. I Just Gave It Away Thinking It Was No Longer Chargeable. My Buddy Still Has That Thing In His Street/Strip Monte Carlo Today. Never Another Issue. He Just Took It In And Had It Charged By International. (For Some Reason My Home Trickle Charger Wouldn't Charge It. Perhaps Not Enough Amps...) But As Stated Above, Get Into A Yellow Top For All Your Audio Goodness. And Buy A Capacitor Too!!!!! 
not a fan of caps, but i'll have to be getting that yellow top soon. I gotta move the car, i don't like having it sit for that long.
Redo your alternator, ground, and engine/chassis grounds with 4 guage or higher.
it's probably going up for sale soon. my goal is to have it running reliably, nothing more.
I have a couple of questions/suggestions. Why do you have your amps turn on when you turn the key to the on/acc position instead of having it turn on using the remote wire from a head unit? When trying to jump the car, you should try disconnecting the amps (or at least pulling the inline fuses) since you don't want to draw any more current then you have to.
- Chris
it is hooked up using the remote wire for the stereo...and they turn on when you turn the key to the on position. That's all i know.
my list of things to do right now are replace the battery, and get the alternator checked. I don't want to risk having problems with the battery far from home, it's not worth it.
Originally posted by TGO:
i really do think the alternator might be on it's way out, it makes some weird loud whining sounds from time to time...mostly in the wet.
If it only makes sounds when wet do you think that the serpintine belt might be slipping? Do you get the battery light when you hear the sound.
no to both questions, but the noise is coming from the alternator. It resonates through the speakers in the car, but i've stuck my head under the hood when it happens and that's where it's coming from.
My alternator started making them noises, then i ended up stranded 2 hours away. Replace it, before you're screwed.
remember the "most annoying sound in the world" that jim carey did in dumb and dumber?? it sounds just like that.
Well, i had the car towed to a friends shop and i finally know what the problem is. The alternator is shot. He said it was so rusted, that it just won't turn...so that's what's stopping the starter from turning over the motor. He said he took the belt off and it cranks over fine.
I guess that's how the original battery died. I dunno if it's still good or not, I bought a new yellow top just to be safe. Hopefully this will explain some other weird problems i'd been having (dimming lights, idle issues).
Thanks everyone for all the help.