Hey Dan, If your new audio system includes a separate power amplifier, check to make sure that the amp is turning off when you turn the radio off. If the amp is staying on with the radio off it will draw enough current to drain the battery even with the tender on it. There shouldn't be a problem for your battery with a new audio system because the power for the system is supplied by the alternator (unless you are playing the radio for extended periods with the engine off).      

If I play the radio with the car off for more than 5 minutes or so it wont die, but it won't start......I do have 2 amps but am 100% certain they are off when the car is off( they have a center that illuminates when powered on).

[QUOTE=The Rook]Perhaps it wasnt seated properly but why would the light have been steady green? Maybe the 3 year old battery cant handle the the audio system?

ok came home to a green light on my tender......

I agree it sounds like the stereo install messed up the A/C vents. I have an Optima yellow top and love it! The two advantages that it has that most people don't consider (besides the obvious) is that the Optima type batteries have NO corrosion and very little off gassing. That's important when the battery is right behind you. Another thing, if your car still has the stock alternator, you need to upgrade. The one on mine would allow the headlights to dim and the voltage to drop anytime you came to a stop at night (and that was with the old 8 track!). I got a 100 amp one from Ecklers (chrome, too!  ). Since then, no problems (at least with that). Better get it straightened out by Carlisle! Jaws792011-06-10 15:37:51

Couple things you need to do..make sure the connections on the battery are clean and tight..you may have a battery wire issue also..best thing to do is bring it to a shop and have them do a battery system test..it will see the load for start and test the alt output and diode ripple test..takes about 5 minutes..auto zone and advance both do this..the stereo guys should know how to hook up a stereo..they really are not that hard..having them fix the vacuum stuff will be over their head by 10 fold..unless its just pinched lines..

Rich

not even an hour passed and the light is green again....there is no way its completely charged.....the frustration grows... The Rook2011-06-10 17:21:11

It sounds like you have a bad battery it has a shorted cell it will show it is charged but does not have enough current to start the car. the charger will show it is fully charged. if the charger doesnot charge the battery the alt will not charge it either.rraider12011-06-11 08:06:36

I lost track of whats going on here but I do agree with installing a battery disconnect. On the neg post I believe. These cars just have a way of sucking something out of the batteries. If mine sits a week and a half it don't want to start. And that will tick ya off if ya need a ride fix.
I got one dam nice looking 8 track. Don't work but it looks good.
Dan, at least you got hair to pull out.
Jeffm2011-06-11 15:18:07

I had a similar problem this week.