I can hear engine and other noises through my subs out of the blue!? Help?

Question

Ok I have had this stereo set up for a year and a half. Nothing has ever gone wrong. But recently the subs were cutting in and out (I can confirm the amp was losing power). This seemed to only happen when I was driving or moving the car around..though it was very random (sometimes go weeks without happening then happen 9 times a day).

So far forward this week..I turned my stereo on and my subs started pulsating violating (thud thud thud) sounded like a hyralic jack very strange. So I played with some wires etc. Now I can hear the engine though the subs, as well as a low buzzing noise AND when I adjust the volume on the cd player, you can actually hear the twisting of the know etc. I have 12 twelves in a box with a mono amp and a capacitor..aftermarket pioneer deck and speakers are stock. I will provide more details if needed....

I have done extensive research on the internet and frankly, im a noob at car stereos with the lingo....Maybe a ground ? maybe RCA are touching power

Answer 1

If your amp was on and the ground wire was disconnected or loose, then it tried to use the shield in the RCA cables as ground. Unfortunately, the circuit board in your head unit is not built to handle this much current. Some Pioneer units have a surface mount fuse on the circuit board to prevent major damage. Other units use a thin copper run that will burn if overloaded.

To check if this has happened you will need a multimeter. Set the meter to the lowest resistance scale, disconnect both RCA cables from your amp, and measure between the outer shield connection on the cable and a good ground. It should show a direct short to ground. If not, then the head unit is likely damaged.