Audio Systems: Car stereo repair, car stereo repair, rca cables

Question
Hello.  I own a 1994 Chevy S-10 Blazer and have recently noticed a problem with the stereo system.  I have an aftermarket head unit, properly installed 2 years ago and a 12" Subwoofer and a MTX amplifier, also properly wired, in the vehicle.  Just a couple of days ago, I noticed that the subwoofer suddenly "went out" and i started hearing a whining noise in the speakers when the system is on while the vehicle is running.  The noise gets louder while the accelerator is pressed.  The power is still on at the amplifier and the wiring appears to be in good shape and the connections are secure.  This is an intermittent problem that occasionally goes away, but for the most part, stays.  When the subwoofer does come back on, the whining noise goes away and the system goes back to normal.  I suspect a bad ground in the system somewhere, but haven't been able to trace it yet.  Any help you can offer would be appreciated in terms of what you think this might be or where i should start to look....thanks!!

Answer
John,
Double check all the RCA cables to be sure they are tightly connected. Also tighten all the power and ground connection. If the alternator has a ground wire on it make sure that is clean and tight. On some systems adding a heavy ground wire from the head unit to the fire wall will help with any noise. With the sub going on and off it sounds like an intermittant connection possibly inside the amp itself.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net