subwoofer hum

blackalero02 · 03-17-2010, 12:13 AM

Ok so I've had my subs hooked up for about a month now and a couple days ago my subs began humming to match the engine RPM's. I've checked everything. I made sure every wire hooked up to it is perfect and where it needs to be. Grounds are perfect, power wire's fine, amp turn on's fine. I've heard the RCA's could be the problem but I don't think they could go bad that fast. I even made sure all the wires to the head unit are connected properly and neatly run (yes, RCA's and power wires are run on opposite sides of the car). I'm just completely clueless. Oh yeah and on top of that my speakers started whining today also. Give me some ideas on how to fix this problem. Thanks.

Gr1m · 03-17-2010, 12:35 AM

i would try replacing the RCAs and if that doesnt work its a grounding issue

cherrington17 · 03-17-2010, 12:39 AM

rca's are run on the opposite side of the car, from the power wires, right?

and i've had the rca jacks on the headunit fry...causing alt whine.

Weazel · 03-17-2010, 12:46 AM

I'd assume ground. My dimmer switch causes my rear speakers to hum when I use it. I just haven't cared enough to fix ittttt

blackalero02 · 03-17-2010, 01:02 AM

It could be the RCA jack's fried. I'm pretty sure it's not The RCA's though unless they require being replaced every month. If it's a grounding issue how can I fix it? I'm thinkin of just buying a ground isolator from crutchfield... anything to stop the annoying humming. Anyone try one of those before?

jayson_waltz · 03-17-2010, 02:12 AM

try a ground loop isolator.

PappaSmurf · 03-17-2010, 03:00 AM

Blackalero,
Go to walmart and get you a ground loop isolator from scochse. This is probably caused by a bad ground somewhere in the vehicle, even if it is not the radio. I had this same thing happen and the ground loop isolator cured my problems. Just make sure not to get it to close to the HVAC (heater and air conditioner), it makes my system whine if its too close.
-Smurf-

Ryan from Ohio · 03-17-2010, 06:49 AM

If the head unit driven speakers are doing it also thats a clear indicator the head unit is inducing the noise.

Try grounding the head unit in another location. If that doesnt solve the problem get a new head unit.

blackalero02 · 03-17-2010, 09:14 AM

I'll try regrounding the head unit. It's only a couple months old and it cost $450 so it better not be the HU. I think the ground loop isolator's a good idea. Good thing I'm makin a trip to wally world today.

lonnie · 03-17-2010, 10:03 AM

Ground loop isolators...sometimes work....sometimes they don't. Good thing about Walmart is their return policy...LOL!

Ryan from Ohio · 03-17-2010, 10:09 AM

Ground Loop isolator...

Sometimes a fix for another problem. Fix the problem, not band-aid it. That is my theory.

Did you use the factory harness for power, ground etc?

If so simply take the ground wire, and some length. Pull the console up and use a bolt on the shifter mechanism.

blackalero02 · 03-17-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan from Ohio

Ground Loop isolator...

Sometimes a fix for another problem. Fix the problem, not band-aid it. That is my theory.

Did you use the factory harness for power, ground etc?

If so simply take the ground wire, and some length. Pull the console up and use a bolt on the shifter mechanism.

Yeah I don't really wanna half ass It. I have a factor harness adapter.

Ryan from Ohio · 03-17-2010, 11:52 AM

Ok thats good.

So simply take the ground wire from the new HU and go directly to the ground point I was talking about. Its a good solid meaty ground- and should work well.

blackalero02 · 03-17-2010, 01:02 PM

Ok I see where you're talkin about my ground wire's a little bit too short. Where can I get good wire to lengthen it?

PappaSmurf · 03-17-2010, 02:27 PM

Blackalero,
I am glad Ryan step in on this. I forgot to mention that I have all my speakers running off external amps and did NOT use the factory harness for the ground as I NEVER do. Sorry to have misled you if possible.
Walmart also has 18 gauge wire for $4.38 (40ft) to lengthen your ground.

Ryan,
Good eye and great information for the lad. Now check your own damn website. LOL
-Smurf-

Ryan from Ohio · 03-17-2010, 03:14 PM

^ I do nightly.

I browse here daily when I need a brief 1-2 minute break from work.

blackalero02 · 03-17-2010, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PappaSmurf

Blackalero,
I am glad Ryan step in on this. I forgot to mention that I have all my speakers running off external amps and did NOT use the factory harness for the ground as I NEVER do. Sorry to have misled you if possible.
Walmart also has 18 gauge wire for $4.38 (40ft) to lengthen your ground.

Ryan,
Good eye and great information for the lad. Now check your own damn website. LOL
-Smurf-

Ok thanks. Hopefully this helps.

blackalero02 · 03-18-2010, 09:55 PM

Would 14 guage wire work? I have a whole roll of it.

Ryan from Ohio · 03-18-2010, 10:37 PM

I dont see why not.

cherrington17 · 03-18-2010, 10:45 PM

bigger gauge = less resistance = better.

downside is.. larger wire is sometimes hard to work with for the project. there is no such thing as TOO BIG.