Disintegrated Speaker Wire?!

[SE7EN3S]

Recently, I noticed my front drivers side speaker was out. Upon inspection I found that the connection splicing together from the amp to the speakers wire harness had disintegrated. When I unraveled the electrical tape, the wire literally crumbled to dust in my fingers. (see photo).

I've searched around and cannot find what might cause this. Doesn't appear to be a 'burn' or 'melt' because neither the plastic connector, nor the wire rubber coating were affected. Also, doesn't seem to be a result of water damage, but I could be wrong on both assumptions.

Notes:

Original install is only 1 year and a half ago.

The speaker wire was connected with a crimp-style connector (see photo), and lived on the inside of the door panel.

Only the negative side of the wire was affected.

AMP: Alpine MRP-F300 4 channel amp.

Speakers: Polk MM650 Components speakers. Woofer portion in question.

Any help here would be really great. Thanks.

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[Buck 5,000+ posts]

It's corrosion, oxidation that's completely eaten the metal. You know how metal disappears from rust on old vehicles, same thing. The best thing to do is shrink wrap the ends of the connectors to let no moisture get into the wire.

 

[SE7EN3S]

Hey thanks for the reply, Buck. Upon re-splicing, I did use posi-tab connectors and shrink wrapped them. Hopefully this is a more reliable connection.

Is this type of corrosion typical/possible after just one year?!

 

[Full Tilt 10+ year member]

Hey thanks for the reply, Buck. Upon re-splicing, I did use posi-tab connectors and shrink wrapped them. Hopefully this is a more reliable connection.
Is this type of corrosion typical/possible after just one year?!

Inside the door, it's usually not typical. However, it is possible.