[97Pony]

I just istalled a new head unit and 4 speaker in a 68 malibu. I got everything working fine but then when we turn the music on the lights on the headunit blink everytime the bass hits. Also it seems the headunit is not getting a constant power source because everytime we turn the car off all the preset station go away and the clock goes back to 12:00. I tested the red wire while the car was off and it is getting power. Please help

[krazyskip]

does it get 12volts of power when the car is off and the key is out? Check that the power wire is fully connected and doesn't move around. is your ground in an good spot and tight?
How many watts RMS is the stereo putting out to each channel, and how much power are the speakers rated at RMS.
If the speakers want 60 watts RMS and the stereo will put out 25 RMS then the stereo will dim due to the speakers wanting more power.
you should get a 4 channel amp, nothing massive maybe about 50 watts to each channel.

[Jimbo12]

my regular stereo does that, i have like surround sound, and then 2 subwoofers, and 2 2 1/2 foot tall speakers from the early 1990's, but hell, whenever my neighbors have a party and their music gets out of hand, i turn mine u to 10, and it starts shaking the neighborhood (my system goes up to 64) lol....so mine definately isnt getting enough power, but it still works!!

[mattdeez]

I would guess also if the electrical system is still 'original' in the Malibu, you might want to address the alterantor and have a good battery. Little stuff like that can be dash light an such flicker w/ stereo and other electrical loads. Even fresh battery cables can remedy some stuff.

What Krazyskip said above this post is accurate too.

[Jimbo12]

yeah, except its too bad non of that sh!t would work in my house, lol, its all good though, goodluck w/ ur stereo man

[97Pony]

Thanks for all of the help. I'll check everything that you guys mention.

[krazyskip]

o ya mattdeez is right, I forgot how old the car was. i didnt even think about it. let us know if you fix it.

[Dom]

My friends 65 Chevy is like that. But his got 2 10s and a 560 amp in there to. Either the alternator or the battery.

[krazyskip]

get a capacitor it should do the trick.

[Stangboy5666]

If its not saving stations its because the power and acc wires are backwards. Switch em and itll probably save em. Sometimes old cars do weird stuff though...

[Dom]

Originally posted by krazyskip
get a capacitor it should do the trick.

My opinion, a waste of money.

[krazyskip]

Dom , i guess your right. you only need one if you are running big power.

[Dom]

It's generally a waste of money period. This cam from another V6 Website.

3.8Mustang.com Forum :: FAQ-Why a CAP is useless!!!!