I've burned myself twice now with running the audio system in the S2K while working on the car, washing, etc - only to find the battery drained in what seems like excessively short order. I am running an amp (VGA 500.4) with a couple of components in the doors and a sub. However - let's say I'm drawing 40A continuous (not likely) - shouldn't the battery last at least an hour? I'm seeing maybe 15-20 minutes and then the car won't even crank. (Fortunately it's been in the driveway with a battery charger near by).

P = I * E, so 500 Watts at 12 Volts is ~42 Amps, assuming 100% efficiency (which the amp isn't, I know). But then again, I'm talking about some casual listening while working on the car, not having the thing cranked up.

What is the amp-hour rating on the stock battery? Is this a sign to replace my 3 year old battery before it leaves me stranded?

-Matt

 

i dunno about amp draw, but mines an 03 with 10000mi. it only lasts about 20 min also. alpine hu and cdt componest, sony amp.

 

I just installed an old stereo (actually a Disco Robo ) in the garage. Got to make more sense than running the car stereo even if it is the most tragic thing I've ever seen.

 

20 minutes? That is not normal, unless you've got the system cranked as high as it can go, which I assume you didn't. Seems as though either your battery is weak to begin with or your amp is drawing an eexcessive amount of power. Do you have a voltmeter? Test the battery if you do. Also, it may need water.

 

OMFG WTF IS THAT F*CKING THING?!?!?!?

 

Looks like some sort of explosive device.

 

How old is your battery? A 3 year old OEM battery will likely not last as long as you'd hope

Running a system with amps and accessories for extended periods, i.e., more than a few minutes, without the car on is pretty much a no-no.

 

The other thing you could do is to get a deep cycle battery. It has more reserve time and can recover when drained multiple times vs. a standard battery.

I've got a Optima D34/78 in mine, not like I really need it, but it was a leftover.

I think a D51 is the right size for Honda's. But there are other manufacturers.

 

20 minutes witha full system (with sub) is actually above average. Dont do this, because everytime you kill the battery,the lifespan gets cut. (unless its a deep cycle battery, like an optima) Go to Sears and get a battery charger. It clamps onto the battery, and plugs into the wall, giving you unlimited playtime without draining your battery.

 

I would like to say that if my choices are a) kill my battery, b) simply to forgo any music and hum to myself, or c) to have that hideous thing in my garage... Well, either (a) or (b) are looking good!

The battery is the original on my '01, so I suspect it's time for a new one. I may take the advice given and look into a deep cycle battery for my upcoming purchase.

Matt