Audio Systems: Dodge Dakota premium package amplifier, leaky capacitors, crackling noise

Question
My 1998 Dodge Dakota has recently developed a crackling noise in the front left and right rear speakers (front left was the first to start crackling, then the right rear joined in).  It had the factory "premium sound" package when I purchased it.  I installed a Pioneer deck and added a sub on the pre-amp out of the new deck.  It's been running great like this for the past 8 months.  The crackle doesn't get louder as I turn up the volume on the deck... which makes me think there's something wrong with the factory (premium) amp.  Also, music still comes through while the speaker is crackling.  If it is the amp, I would be more than happy to bypass it and let my deck do some work (is there an easy way to do this? - a harness maybe?).  Possibly related sidenote: It just started getting chilly here in Minnesota.

Answer
Chris,
Most likely the amp is at fault. I find that many of these premium amps will have leaky capacitors that can cause the crackling noise in the speakers. If you locate the amp you can bypass it by cutting it out of the circuit and connecting the same color input/output wires together.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net