Excess Voltage - Stereo shuts down, Regulator?

[AZRider]

Hi All,

This is a 2007 gas Drive. The stereo will occasionally shut down only when driving, like when you hit the blinkers. If you are driving and turn on the headlights the stereo shuts down instantly. Here's why.

The cart is making 15.6v at the battery terminals when driving (with some fluctuation). Using blinkers jump it to almost 16v. When you turn on the headlights the voltage jumps to 16.6 volts. In our case, the stereo shuts down to protect itself from anything over 16 volts, then cycles back on after 10 seconds. Most car stereo's only operate in the 10-16v range.

Does anyone know if this is normal for the cart to jump over 16 volts? This has been a real PIA with much troubleshooting. I'm not sure if replacing the OEM regulator is the way to go or just adding some kind of external DC-DC step down regulator. This is a waterproof marine grade component system.

FYI - I have a new one of these marine grade component stereo's for sale, only $45 plus shipping. The forum won't let me post in that section. You can see it here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI...:L:LCA:US:1123


Waterproof "Head Unit" controls CD, volume, channels, source, IR remote, microphone, etc.



Base unit (CD player, Amp, etc) is mounted under the seat.

[sho305]

Cut the wire to it??? Wow, this is a PG site or I would comment on his mental acuity. I hope you billed him.

I would guess the voltage reg is bad, pretty sure they are sealed solid state in these? I would double check all wire connectors and especially grounds, but seems like there would be no wiring issues in such a new cart. It is very common in older carts (wiring issues in general). It will also overcharge the battery, they usually boil out the top and corrode anything near them.

[Mike Mac]

AZ, I want your radio. PM me.

[AZRider]

Originally Posted by Mike Mac

AZ, I want your radio. PM me.

Mike Mac. I'm knew to this forum and don't have PM capabilities. Send a note to bjohnson1200@gmail.com

[AZRider]

Originally Posted by sho305

Cut the wire to it??? Wow, this is a PG site or I would comment on his mental acuity. I hope you billed him.
.

What is this?

[Mike Mac]

AZ, I'd like ta see pictures of that car. It looks beautiful! Never seen anything that new!

Having a regulator go out on a car that new, I think would be unusual. That probably is, what is wrong, but I would still look at wire connections and stuff like that. Those turn signal things are crap, and I would question that as the problem first.

[In2ice]

I'll take seconds on the radio if the first deal falls through. ajedws@aol.com

[AZRider]

I truly appreciate the input and feedback. I did the stereo installation myself. There are no wiring issues. Everything is soldered, shrink tubed, and wrapped in OEM split loom tubing. There has been a lot of troubleshooting, wiring included, using a multimeter and other tools. The cart just makes to much voltage. I've had the meter in my had while driving and as soon as it hits 16volts...Bammm...the stereo shuts down to protect itself.

The stereo uses a relay for power. When the key it turned on it energize a tiny Bosch waterproof SPDT relay. This relay directly connects the stereo positive and negative wires to the battery terminals. The key does not power the stereo, it just energizes the relay which takes a tiny 300mA. This method allows the stereo come on with the key, but get its power directly from the battery terminals.

The relay can be seen in the picture (small black box fastened to the corner of the stereo Base Unit, top center of picture). The stereo issue exists even when bypassing the SPDT relay, with direct connection to the battery,and with power from the ignition switch. The cart is just making to many volts.

I could install a $40 DC-DC step down converter between the stereo and battery terminals. It will take that high voltage and step it down to a constant 12v. However, I don't believe the cart should be making over 16volts and suspect it's the voltage regulator. I can't get any answers from the Yamaha dealer. Their electrical expert quit so they outsource this stuff. They had the cart for 3 days awhile back. I specifically asked them to check the electrical output and charging system. When I picked it up I drove 20 feet and the stereo died. So much for that.

I realized I'm better off doing the work myself after talking with them for awhile. They wire all accessories to the one tiny ignition wire...and is why it sometimes melts on customer carts. I explained and suggested they start using relays, especially if installing hi power halogen headlights.

BTW - This stereo has an iPod wire/plug that is coiled in the bottom of a cup holder. Someone can connect their iPod and control if from the Head Unit mounted on the dash. This is an optional "Interface" from PolyPlanar.

These are the waterproof rear speakers, painted to match.


Here's the cart, complete with Cragar SS caps, just what a 74 year old Mother needed.
I had the seats recovered and built up to create back and bottom bolsters.
It's hard to tell from the pic but they are a light version of sitting in a racing seat.

[AZRider]

Originally Posted by Mike Mac

Those turn signal things are crap, and I would question that as the problem first.

Interesting on the blinkers. Turning them on jumps the voltage while driving from 15.6 to 15.9-16v which causes the stereo to shut down.

BTW - If you install a stereo like this you will need an internal antenna. I found Jensen makes a Marine grade amplified antenna that is one of the best for use with obstructions (under the seat mounted). The stereo has an antenna power wire so this powered antenna only gets power when the stereo is on. It's a very tiny 60mA draw or something like that. But holy cow, I had no idea we had this many radio stations in Phoenix. It must have added at least 15 more Spanish stations alone.

Antenna is at top of picture, black wing looking thing. It comes with double face tape on the back.

[Mike Mac]

Wow, that car is gorgeous!! must be fun driving something that new!!

That has got to be fixed, its going to boil the battery, as well as cook the gen. Short life to both.