Audio Systems: speaker problem, rca cables, kenwood mp3

Question
My car stereo has been working perfectly up until about a month ago.  The front driver's side speaker seems to cut out randomly.  I can change the volume on the stereo and it will come back.  I cannot find any specific set of circumstances that cause it and it doesn't happen everytime I listen to the stereo. I have a kenwood mp3 player, a kenwood 4-channel amp, & infinity 6-1/2 in speakers. Any suggestions on what to look for would be helpful.

Answer
Scot,

Intermittent occurence of the problem is the key, here.
It could be something in the live level array (RCA cables, amp, or preamp of the deck), but the problem is likely in the wiring for the speaker or the speaker itself.

I would try inspecting the speaker and benchtesting it out of the vehicle. Oftentimes, there is a bad coil or terminal at the speaker, which will cause this kind of problem.
As you turn it up, the problem very well may resolve itself, as you have indicated.
If you have another speaker, you could install it and see if the problem is cured.
Intermittent problems are the hardest to deal with (they are equally as hard for a technician to duplicate) since you will have to 'wait' an undetermined amount of time to see if the problem is really cured.


Of course, check all connections throughout for secureness as well as any rubber grommets the wires may be passing through, but I do think the speaker/wiring is the main culprit to look for.
In some cases, the speaker terminal(s) can short out to the vehicle frame, ect.

Keep your eyes/ears open and your head cool :)  You'll figure it out.


Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,
Jerry Mael