So I'm supposed to go to Intense on August 2nd to get a bunch of goodies installed but as it stands now my car won't start. I was trying to install an aftermarket HU, but then realized since I have a Bose system, I have an issue with the stock amp. I decided I'd maybe just put the new HU in the SLE and swap the SLE'* HU to the SSEi because I liked the equalizer better, and it doesn't have a burnt out display light like the SSEi one.

So I had the SLE'* stock HU in the SSEi and it was working just fine. I turned off the accessory power and then I actually tried to start the engine and the gauges went PSYCHO and the car didn't start. I posted a video of what happens when I turn on accessory power and then try and start the car. It makes me SICK to be honest. I wish I would never have messed with things. Fuses all seem fine. Interior lights, seats, windows, etc are all normal. Any ideas?

I NEED this car to make it to Intense on the 2nd of August, but it ain't lookin so good

I'm not real familiar with the '99s, but I think it has fuses on both sides under the dash, as well as the relay center under the hood. Did you check all of those? Did you have to splice into any wiring, or were you able to just plug it all in without modification? If you had to splice somewhere, perhaps you tied into a line that can't supply the needed current, or interrupted a ground path.

NO modifications to stock wiring were done whatsoever. I looked at both sides in the car and in the maxifuse relay center with no issues found.

When I turn on accessory power now various lights on the cluster flicker and dim, the ECC is sort of half-on and dim, and relays are clicking all over the place :?

on the bright side, I tested my Aeroforce in the SLE and it'* working fine, so at least I didn't blow $250 there...

This is a stab in the dark, but it almost seems that your battery is low. Did you try boosting the car or putting a charger on for a while? It may have run down while you were working on it. This would be my next step since there were no changes made to the factory wiring.

Let me swap batteries with my other car and I'll let you know...praying to GOD it'* that simple...
My Aeroforce was reading like 11 volts though.


I'm just concerned that all was well until the turn of the key to "start" and then everything went NUTS.

This wouldn't be too surprising though. You may show 11 volts, which seems a little low, but as soon as you move to the START position the battery will be under a significantly greater load. I'll bet you would find the voltage would be much less. The sound of all the relays clicking is suspicious. This is often due to inadequate power to the relay coils to keep them engaged. Along with the dimming that you mention, the battery seems highly suspect.

DUDE YOU JUST F-ING MADE MY YEAR!!! Thank you!!! SHE WORKS!!!!

Todd, I'll be coming your way on August 2nd (fingers STILL crossed....lol)

Glad everything worked out for you!

This may have been a simple case of a weak battery. Just to make sure there wasn't another cause, you should check your battery cables and connections for any signs of corrosion. There have been multiple posts this problem and I would recommend doing a search and a little more reading on this. You may also want to have your alternator load tested. Either of these could have resulted in inadequate charging of your battery, ultimately leading to this situation. If you were working on your car with courtesy lights on for a prolonged period of time, it may just be a simple case of a run down battery. Charging it up may resolve this.

Yeah after playing with the aftermarket HU trying to get it to work, and then after swapping the SLE'* radio to the SSEi and playing a few songs to test, all with the courtesy lights on, I'm SURE that'* what did it NOW, haha.

By the way, I have a brand new 160 amp alternator that I bought as part of the first group buy, and my terminals are squeaky clean. My battery is likely original though from '99 (105k), and I was thinking of getting an Optima red top anyway. Might be sooner than later now though

Big sigh of relief and a big DOH!!

Thanks again!