Is it normal for my amp to interfere with the alternator and make a whizzing sound?

Question

Most times, I can hear an annoying, continous whizzing sound coming from my speakers when i'm listening to my radio. The audio installers (at Circuit City) say that it is bcs the amp (4-channel, Kicker) is interfering with the alternator and that there's really nothing to do about it. Does anyone know if that's true?

Also, I have a 12" inch sub (can't remember brand at time of this writing) attached. When I'm ready to bump my music, before it gets to the true bump level, the amp cuts out. the tech guy at an independent audio install shop says the amp is overheating. But, the truck can sit up all night and when I crank it up in the morning and try to get a little bump, the amp still cuts out just before I achieve true bump status (lol). And I am in no way trying to wake the neighbors, I just want good full sound while I'm inside. Is it possible that I have a faulty amp? I did buy it open box.

Answer 1

Sounds like a bad ground to me when an amp does what your saying. It is usually a bad ground. The whizzzing you talking about they make a dampner that plugs in on the jacks get some they cheap should solve that problem.

Answer 2

try different ground points. they make a isolator the connectes to the RCA's and then to the amp that will work, but try the ground first.

can't do anything about it...lol...thats why they work at circuit city.

as for the sub, make sure the power and ground are the proper gauge with the proper fuses. make sure the gain is NEVER over 3/4.

Answer 3

I've been there. Had this problem with my 72 Toronado and there was NO way to fix it unless I wanted to invest into a new wiring harness.

However, I would try these three possible solutions for the whizzing:

- install a noise filter behind the radio

- install a resistor on the alternator

- try out different locations on your car to connect the ground of your radio

The amp problem sounds much like you have:

- a weak battery

- or a weak alternator

In any case you could try and improve the flow of current to the amp by means of a powercap. It should run you cheaper than replacing battery or alternator.

Answer 4

What kind of car you got if it's an american car that's why.