Question
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Followup To
Question -
I put in a pioneer stereo system and new wiring to all speakers and a sub woofer. I am noticing that when I step on the brake the sound goes lower and sometimes the right rear speaker sounds static like a short but it is not all the time and it is only when the music is playing. I don't think it is a blown speaker because it is intermittent. Can you tell me if both problems are related and if you have any ideas how I can find the problem? Thank you for your time
Answer -
Check the wiring from amp or headend unit to each speaker. If there is a bad connection it could be the trouble you are experiencing. If the new wires got pinched somewhere along the way it could be the cause.
Also, check the speaker that has static; it could have a rubbing or loose voice coil. This is usually the result of tightening down the mounting screws too hard and twisting the basket mounts. If the speaker has been overpowered that can cause the voice coil or part of it to come loose from the coil form inside the speaker; if so, it will need to be reconed or replaced.
When you step on the brake the car system voltage drops a little - maybe that is the cause. The best way to check for that is to purchase a small vom meter (such as at Walmart in their electrical department - for $8.99) and watch the voltage drop when you push on the brakes. If it drops below the 12 volt range it means there is too much loading caused by either the brake system of your car of the draw of your audio system.
If you give me the make and model of your car and the audio system (amps and speakers) I can be more specific.
Best wishes,
Cleggsan
Thank you so much for your help. You asked for the make and model of both car and stereo/speakers. Pioneer DEH-P7700MP stereo, Pioneer 10" sub woofer, Pioneer amp 500 watt, infinity front speakers, and an unknow brand of 700 watt 4 way speakers in the rear. The car is a 2001 Chevy Malibu. Once again, I thank you so very much for your time.
Sally Beem
AnswerDid you check the voltage feeding the pioneer units? That is necessary in order to determine what is happening when the brake pedal is depressed. Does it drop in loudness only when the car is moving or does it do it when you are parked. If when parked, try revving up the engine to see if it a low alternater that is not putting out enough at slow engine speeds.
If it is independent of engine speed or if the engine is off or not then it indicates there is a short condition somewhere between the amp wiring and the brake wiring.... you will need to do some checking with an ohmmeter on the vom - or have a shop check it out.
For the static in one speaker, here is what I recommend you do to isolate it:
Take the wires off the speaker that is noise and temporarily swap it with the nearest speaker. Or, you can swap them at the back of the amp that is feeding the bad speaker. If the problem switches over to the swapped channel you know it is in the speaker or wiring to that speaker. If it stays on the same channel, even with a different speaker you know it is in the amp.
There are no incompatibilities with the equipment and the car; you are totally safe there, so we must look at the installation as above.
IF: The static in the speaker is ONLY when the brake is activated AND the sound level is low then I would be suspicious of the short between the brake wiring and the speaker wiring as noted above.
Let me know more after you have followed these ideas.
Best,
Cleggsan
