Problem with recently installed system.

[Relax 10+ year member]

Hello all!

Well, I recently installed a system in a friend's car. It consists of:

Pioneer DEH-4900IB

Planet Audio VX3002

2- Dayton 10" Series 2 - http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=295-110

Everything worked extremely well for about a month or two, when out of the blue the speakers have started cutting in and out (not distortion) when the subwoofer is turned up to moderate or high levels. If the subwoofer is turned off and the volume is cranked, nothing out of the ordinary. With the subwoofer turned on low, works fine yet. But when the subwoofer is turned on to its normal level and the volume is turned up (say 40+ on the pioneer volume) the speakers begin cutting in and out repeatedly. This problem occours on every source, CD, Radio, Aux. It is also on every speaker, not one in particular.

I have never experienced anything like this- does anyone have any ideas for a possible problem and solution?

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[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

It sounds like a low voltage problem. What kind of power wire are you running to the amp?

I'm assuming there is no amp on the mids/highs and that they're powered by the headunit?

When the speakers cut out, does the sub cut out as well? Does the headunit dim? Lights dim?

Check your power and ground wire on the amp and make sure nothing is loose.

 

[Relax 10+ year member]

Well, I looked at it for a little while longer. It was daytime, but I did not notice any dimming of the headunit- will probably check tonight in the dark.

I installed 4 gauge knukoncepts wiring kit, I believe it was the second level of prices, so KLM I think. Will double check that also.

I pulled out the deck, all the connections are still sodered and do not pull apart.

The ground wire from the amp to the car is not loose at all, and the ground goes to bare metal and a large bolt holds it down very tight still.

When the speakers cut out, the subs are still playing fine, which leads me to believe it is a voltage drop issue.

 

[dyohn 10+ year member]

I agree, it's either a low voltage problem (what is your voltage level when this happens?) or the amp gain is too high, or one of your speakers is dying. Parts Express (Dayton) subs tend to have a somewhat short life span if you push them too hard (voice coils will separate from the former quite readily with extended use at high power levels.)

 

[Rattlebrain 10+ year member]

Try cleaning the cables ends on your battery.

I'm assuming that the "other" speakers are not amped?

Turn on the dome light.. Does it flicker when your speakers cut out as well? That could indicate a pour battery connection.

 

[Relax 10+ year member]

Well, after some more in depth testing, I have ruled out a voltage supply problem. At the amp, even with the subs at full bore, the voltage drop is less then a volt. It hovers around 14 volts even with everything blaring.

The subs are playing continuously, they do not cut out at all. The lights don't flicker, or even dim.

I believe the problem is in the Head Unit. All I can think of is the output stage of the speaker channels are ****ed up.

 

[reed dollaz 10+ year member]

low voltage problem. im having the same problem, everything on my stereo (and previous ones) has always worked, but recently the subwoofer cuts out. to demonstrate, turn everything on as you would for normal listening, and rev the car up to around 4000RPM and keep it there, then play it. you should have no problems if its voltage, then let off the gas. should play some more, but eventually start cutting out again. i suggest a bigger battery and the big 3