I recently installed a stereo system including a capacitor. All the wiring is correct and the grounds are fine as far as I know. Also, the cap was charged slowly with a resistor. After the install I noticed the keyless entry and remote trunk release stopped working. I started the car, flipped on the headlights, and noticed that my tails and some of my dash lights were out.

I checked every darn fuse and it turns out the "keyless" and "small lights" fuses were blown. I replaced the two fuses and tested the keyless entry, the keyless fuse blows as soon as I try to lock my car. Then I turn on the headlights and, you guessed it, the small lights fuse blows as well. Is my capacitor screwing the electrical system somehow? I would really appreciate some insight, I hope I didn't cause any damage to the electrical system.
Thanks in advance,
Robb33

 

The capacitor itelf shouldn't be a problem, if it's hooked up correctly. Once charged, does the cap stay connected to the +/- terminals of the battery? If you hooked it up so that the cap is removed from the battery every time you turn off the stereo, it will slowly discharge...when you go to turn the system on, you're no longer charging it through a resistor, so the inrush of current could easily blow a several amp fuse.

I would seriously check the wiring of the rest of the stereo system, as that's a more likely culprit. Specifically, make sure you haven't switched the main power wire and illumination sense/memory power wire on the stereo.

 

Yes, the capacitor is constantly connected to the battery via the main power cable.
I suppose I'll go ahead and double check my wiring.

 

it seems like every time the parking lights come on (lock, unlock, healights on) the fuses blow.
i'll check out the head unit wiring today.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MacGyver
I would seriously check the wiring of the rest of the stereo system, as that's a more likely culprit.

 

Hate to bring back a dead thread but same problem!

 

same advice...