QuestionThanks for the advice.
I've checked the fuses on the head unit side of the unit and am
now working through a factory schematic and wiring harness
diagrams to locate fuses and grounds on the amp side.
Unfortunately, the only service available around here is the
young fellow who tested my amp and has recommended that I
ditch the head unit (not having tested it).
I did learn from my search of a online Subura service database
that similar head units were part of an exchange program in
early 2003. Units were sent back to Subura and units with a
different style of volume control were returned. I haven't yet
been able to ask Subura if that was because the old style volume
controls were prone to failure. (Is that something that happens,
volume controls failing? Might it be the problem here?).
I still am not 100 per cent confident that my back up amp is in
working order (though the unit I was supplied doesn't look like it
has ever even been installed in car). Until the head unit, the amp
is installed under the passenger seat and is easily accessible. Is
there anyway to test that it is at least capable of powering up?
Thanks for your assistance.
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Followup To
Question -
I recently purchased a 2001 Subaru Outback with a factory
McIntosh sound system.
The stereo system powers up, can be cycled through all its
functions (eg. it will scan for available radio stations and
accurately find all four signals available in our area) BUT no
sound comes from the speakers.
A car audio installer in our small town checked the system and
declared that the amp was dead. (He didn't seem to be familiar
with the McIntosh name and suggested that an all-in-one unit
would give me better performance than the installed McIntosh
unit with its 200 watt amp).
I managed to find a replacement amp which I was told was in
working order (the unit doesn't look like it had even been
installed in a car before). But after plugging it in, still no sound.
Could there be another reason that the system isn't working?
Is there a way I can test that the replacement amp is in working
order?
I've read some glowing reviews of this particular sound system
and would very much like to be able to hear it before chucking it
in favour of something else.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Enjoy the Labor Day long weekend.
Answer -
You should check EVERY fuse in the car first, including the ones
under the hood. And not just visual checks, measure for +12
VDC on both sides of every fuse with they key in the "on"
position. The OEM amp will have different fuses than the radio
will. Once that is done, check for a loose or unfastened ground
wire. You may be able to get a schematic of the factory radio
from the Subaru service dept. Some dealers will be helpful, some
won't. If you still have no sound, take the head unit to a repair
shop to be bench tested. Ask the Subaru dealer where they send
the factory radios for repair. It's possible the deck is on, but not
putting out sound. My next thought is, has this car's stereo ever
worked that you know for sure? Perhaps the previous owner
mixed up or left some plugs or components out before they sold
it. Let me know what you find.
AnswerFacory amps are very hard to bench test due to the special plugs required, and having the complete wiring diagram and head unit to feed it with signal. Some repair shops have test jig set up just for this, but they are usually only in large centers. As for volume controls, yes all mechanical controls are prone to failure, and can be replaced. The problem is finding the replacement parts. I know you want to put this system back to stock, but don't ignore the fact that the repair bill could easily surpass the cost of a new CD player. A quality aftermarket CD player will sound better, last longer, and have warranty as well. Perhaps you could find a similar car with the same system, and swap components. Or you could find another head unit on e-bay. Have you tested the speakers with a AA battery yet?
