Noise problem

[kev7706 10+ year member]

I am having noise issues with my 1997 Pathfinder. The following items have been installed:

Alpine Head Unit (CD-9825) - installed by Circuit City

Boston Acoustics 2-way components (SL60) - installed by local shop

The head unit runs the speaker with the fade set to the front. When I turn the key to accessory, the stereo turns on and no outside noise is present whether the volume is on 0 or higher. However, as soon as the engine starts, I hear an annoying buzz from bth the mid-range drivers and the tweeters. If I set the volume to zero and rev the engine, the tone of the noise changes, sounding more like a whine.

I consulted Circuit City thinking it was a ground issue, but they claimed that they used the factory ground and it was some other problem.

At this point I am unsure of what to do as I know only about home audio and acoustics, rather than car audio.

My only thought was that I needed something like

THIS

Thanks in advance.

Click to read more...

 

[themainjam 10+ year member]

noise filters only mask a problem.... did it start after the HU was installed or the speakers?

 

[kev7706 10+ year member]

It started after the head unit was installed, while the factory speakers were still in.

 

[themainjam 10+ year member]

then thats the only thing it could be the ground on the HU or the HU. so tell them install another HU or make a new ground. whichever they prefer.

or you could do it. just cut the black wire coming out of the HU and use a Sheet metal screw and screw it into some metal back in there. but make sure the metal isnt painted and if it is then sand it.

let us know how it goes.

 

[kev7706 10+ year member]

Where exactly do I make the cut? After how many inches? Sorry for my ignorance.

 

[themainjam 10+ year member]

from the back of your stereo there should be two harnesses one that plugs into your stereo and one that plugs into another plug. cut in the middle of these two plugs and use a connector to extend the wire to wherever you need to to make a good ground. dont forget to sand if there is any paint on the metal.

the ground is the black wire coming out of your stereo.

 

[kev7706 10+ year member]

Thanks for the response. I'll let you know how it turns out.