First Post - Stumped on Problem Installing New System

[kiathug09]

If anyone knows the solution to this, that would be GREAT. Anyways, I just registered on here and I'm looking for some help. I previously had 2 subs and an amp hooked up working fine in my car. I decided to upgrade and went with a JBL GTO1214D subwoofer and a JBL GTO3501 amplifier. Well I recently installed them and found that when I turn up the input level, there is just a constant rumble from the sub, not hitting with the beat at all and will still rumble even if no music is playing. I found that it only happens when the RCA's are plugged in. My previous setup worked fine with the same wiring and everything. So I'm stumped on this one and hoping one of you guys can help me out.

This is all I've done to try to fix the problem with no luck:

Replaced RCA's

Replaced Ground Wires

New Ground Location for Headunit and Amp

Double checked everything was wired correctly

Tried a Ground Loop Isolator

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All of these things didn't work for me.

I have a Pioneer Head Unit

When I tried the Ground Loop Isolator it stopped the rumbling but then there was no hitting at all...

The JBL equipment is brand new out of the box.

I think I have everything grounded good.

I'm pretty sure the new equipment is all working properly because I took it down to an audio shop and they tested with a MP3 player with an RCA connection. The sub appeared to work fine then so wouldn't that narrow it down to something before the amp? I replaced the RCA's so I don't know what else it could be.

RCA's-Amp = Rumbling

RCA's-Ground Loop Isolator-Amp = No hitting at all

I know it can vary from system to system but keep in mind that my previous setup worked fine with all of the wiring how it is.

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Thanks for the help.

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[dustyshot 10+ year member]

I thought there was another thread about something like this the other day about constant roar when Positive cable was connected or had to disconnect RCA's to stop it. All he did was change the battery to amp to 4 gauge he said it fixed it. He had 8 gauge and that caused the roar or constant rumble. I do not know if that would help you, but it might. If you are using 4 gauge might have to get bigger then. Also you have more power stuff than you had before so bigger wiring is need to get the best current to amp and sub. What do I know?

 

[stevew007 10+ year member]

go here http://www.caraudio.com/forum/wiring-electrical-installation-help/198477-engine-whine-ground-loop-fixes-take-two.html

I did this on 2 pioneers and a kenwood worked perfect i should say I grounded the rcas sorry

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Pioneer head unit...explains it all

You can try grounding the outer part of the rca's at the head unit (just connect a wire to the chassis of the HU)

 

[kiathug09]

go here http://www.caraudio.com/forum/wiring-electrical-installation-help/198477-engine-whine-ground-loop-fixes-take-two.html
I did this on 2 pioneers and a kenwood worked perfect i should say I grounded the rcas sorry

All I have to say is....

THANK YOU, I've been looking for something like that for 2 straight days.

THANK YOU //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif I'll let you guys know if this doesn't fix it but from what I've read Pioneers are prone to do this.

 

[pr-festiva 10+ year member]

odd,, ive only ran pioneer HU's for the past 12 years and never had a problem

 

[kiathug09]

odd,, ive only ran pioneer HU's for the past 12 years and never had a problem

Yeah but when your inexperienced in the electronics world you tend to screw some things up... I believe what did it was when I uninstalled my previous amp, I didnt take the RCAs out before the ground, therefore shorting a fuse in the HU.

 

[kiathug09]

Does it matter what size of wire I use? I have some very small speaker wire.. would that work fine?

 

[edzy 10+ year member]

hook it up outside of the car. Connect it to the bat, power ground, and jump the rem. Power it with an ipod to the rcas. If the problem is still there, its the amp. If not, HU.

And for that wattage 12awg is about the smallest you want to go.

 

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

Ive never had this problem with Pioneer units either, and ive had a few of em?...

 

[kiathug09]

Is there a need for a fuse to be added? I read somewhere that if the same thing happens again it can burn up the wire and start a fire..

 

[kiathug09]

Works great after grounding the RCA's on the headunit..

Thanks guys!

probably couldn't of figured it out on my own.

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[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Pioneer readily admits the issue with the diode on the RCA shields (sometimes called a "pico fuse" in forums). if you mess around with the head unit while it's on, you can pop that diode, thus eliminating the ground on the RCA, and causing noise.

if you only connect RCA's when the HU is off, you won't have an issue.

glad you resolved the issue.