New Stereo Draining Battery

[jpclick]

Last year, I upgraded my AMP and Stereo on my 276. Since the stereo was upgraded (the AMP was done a couple days later), my #1 Battery has been completely drained--this is with the battery in the OFF position. So, I've had to start the boat on 1+2 battery position and start to charge battery one. The number 1 battery fully charged seems to lose about 25% per day, so if I leave it from Saturday to Sunday--dead battery. I am also concerned since my bilge pump is connected on the same battery (Will the bilge use #2 battery if #1 is dead???)

I did have the stereo and AMP professionally installed--I don't really know where all the wires go. So, I have been thinking of possible solutions....maybe just disconnect the yellow memory lead. My problem is I don't know where the lead connects (without pulling the stereo and finding the connection there) Does anyone know if there is battery lead connection somewhere under the dash? I've looked but it's not very clear.

Fortunately, I have power at my dock. So, I have a battery charger/tender that I plug in if I leave the boat for more than a couple of days.

Here is the head unit I selected: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158MEXM72 ... M72BT.html
Here is the AMP that I selected: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-0qJr3iK87 ... 0-8v2.html

I selected this head unit since it worked with the 2 existing wired remotes already on the boat. The AMP needed to be replaced since my water line disconnected from my speedometer and cause a couple of the channels to die on the old AMP.

The battery was being drained before the AMP was replaced. So, I am focused on the head unit. Anyone know of any issue with this Sony head unit?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

[AsLan7]

.
Hey jpc

First off, PHENOMENAL amp you got there my friend. One of the best currently on the market.

Secondly, you have three color coded wires exiting from the back of your Sony head unit that provide the necessary power.

1. Black - your ground wire
2. Red - normally runs to the accessory position on your ignition key
3. Yellow - (non-EEPROM units) runs to the battery or battery switch

The rest of the colored wires are for:
a. speakers
b. illumination - (normally orange or orange & white)
c. remote amplifier turn on - (normally blue or blue & white)
d. amplifiers - (normally RCA red and white thicker wires)

.

1.jpg

.
You most likely have your yellow wire connected directly to the battery....especially if you switch the battery switch off and the battery is still being drained after this head unit installation. The bad news is once you drain a battery completely, they are never quite the same in holding a charge. The good news is you can relocate your yellow wire attachment to fix this head unit from draining the battery. I would also consider replacing this battery. One thing I never skimp on are batteries.

So first off, I'd suggest you trace this yellow wire. Ideally you want it connected to your battery SWITCH so you can turn off the power source to the head unit during storage. The downside to this option is that you will lose your presets and memory functions unless you have an internal battery --or better yet, EEPROM (EEPROM memory eliminates the need for a constant 12V power wire eliminating battery draining dark current draw during storage. The other advantage to using EEPROM memory is the settings are stored even when the power isn’t connected).
(Your Sony head unit unfortunately does not have this feature)

BTW, what type of battery switch do you currently have installed in your boat?
Another option could be an ACR installation.

Hope this helps. Now git 'er dun.

Others will chime in shortly.

...and enjoy the music my friend....LOUDLY !
.

[Big Block Power]

Ok A7 is correct on this. I think you may also have a bad head unit. Not common but it can be. I never turn off my batteries. I have my wire going straight to the battery and months later it still has a good enough charge to start the engine. To me that leads me to the radio. So the amps turn off when the stem goes down? Is something keeping them on. Maybe not. Disconnect that yellow wire and see if that fixes your issue. I even bypassed my perko with that yellow wire because I hate resetting everything. No issues. I have a Sony mex head unit also.