New Stereo Keeps Restarting While Driving

I installed a new stereo a couple weeks ago in my 96 Tacoma but starting yesterday it started to restart on its own. Last night I noticed the battery light on the dash lit up right before the stereo shut off. I've only had the Tacoma for a month so I'm still a newbie but if I could get pointed in the right direction that'd be great.

Also we have been in the middle of a heat wave so I'm not ruling out overheating.

 

Well the logical place to start would be the battery/alternator. You could measure the voltage at rest and while running, but that doesn’t always tell the full story. Most parts stores will have a proper battery tester and will check your charging system for free. If the truck is slow to turn over then this reinforces the theory

 

Oh wow yeah it is slow to turn over. Especially if it's hot. I didn't think both issues were related.

 

Sounds like a charging issue. I'd try and get it handled asap before it leaves you stranded. A jump start won't help you if the alternator dies.

 

In addition to the above, since you started to notice this after your stereo install - do double check all your wiring connections you did as part of the install. Be sure nothing is loose and shorting out.

 

I took the truck in for an oil change (I am in the middle of a move and all my tools are currently in another city), and had them check the alternator. It passed all the checks except for the idle one. Also the battery is going to need replacing soon. I'm taking the truck in for a full service check next week to check for any problems as it doesn't seem to have a service history.

I can't help but notice, though, that all the issues seemed to show up in the middle of a heat wave and then disappeared after it cooled down.

 

Occam’s Razor. The simplest explanation is usually the best one.

Are your battery connects clean down to bright metal? Start there.

How old is the battery? Are the cells filled with distilled water and does it take a good charge? Second on the list.

 

So I was in need of new battery, and new terminal connectors. I just replaced both and there was definitely some positive changes. I was having issues with my front right signal intermittently working, and the night lights for the AC on the dash not working. After changing the battery and terminal connectors all those problems were resolved. No more issues with the stereo as well.

However, I still have some hesitation when starting the engine when its hot in the engine well. Wondering if I do need a new starter after all.

 

Are the starter wiring connections clean to bright metal, and most importantly to the entire electrical system, is the battery ground to the chassis connection equally clean?

Bad grounds have been the root cause of more 12V electrical problems than I can count.

 

The battery is ground properly but I'll check the starter wiring connections tomorrow.