Major problems

[Johndmcc]

Alright. Let's start off with me admitting I'm an idiot.

I tried to install an aftermarket stereo into my 2000 Pontiac Grand Am. Apparently, something didn't go right. Now, the car is flipping it's lid.

First, after connecting the head unit, my dash lights, shifter lights, etc went out. And the battery kept draining.

Soon after, my Passenger headlight went out. (This was after I took the head unit out and covered the wires.) Then, my alternator went out. So, I replaced it and the battery.

After I replaced the battery and alternator, I went to put gas in it. And the car wouldn't start. The lights would come on but it wouldn't kick over.

After getting the car started by jumping it, I went to the gas station and put gas in the car to head to work. Then the headlights went out. I can use the fog lamps and the high beams but I can't get the normal lights to work.

Now, what the HECK can I do?

 

[Johndmcc]

To update. My headlights are working again. I put a new battery in it and the car is starting again. Now I just need to get the dash lights and a radio in it.

 

[The_Dark_Passenger]

WOW. I must say I holy wow.

Here's a few things you can try.
1 check all fuses with a fuse tester.
2 start car. disconnect battery. If it dies or begins to stall but doesn't smooth out check the voltage regulator, newer cars usually have them integrated into the alternator.
3 disconnect battery. some cars have a power distribution box, check to see if there is any corrosion or shorts.
4 disconnect battery. If you clipped the wires from the connected on the car radio harness, cap all wires individually or using crimp connectors wire in a radio
Black- ground
Red- 12v
Yellow- acc
The rest is almost always for the speakers. If you have the patience check at each speaker what color the wires are and write em down. On the radio harness there is usually white, grey, purple and green wires, two of each and one has a black strip signifying ground. Wire according to the colors you wrote down earlier. The radio if aftermarket should have a wire schematic written somewhere on it. Even though crimp connectors where used tape each wire about 3/4" on each side of the connector. The tape around all wires for a neater install. Also makes it easier to position the radio with neat wires.

If none of that helps you may have a short in the harness or blown every bulb, if it's a short get the dealer service manual set and start checking harness plugs. Or take to a shop that only charges a flat fee for diagnostic, and not hourly. Some do, it's a gemmic to draw in business(only works for those who don't have an interest in cars, except that it is a car) nearly every car from 05 back, I can find something that's wrong with it, besides people think there getting off easy but those shops usually have a high labor rate to offset.


Anyway hope that helps, keep me updated.