Alternator Whine when the aftermarket HU is powered off...

[savante]

Hey guys,
I have a question and I did a search but didnt see anything as specific a problem as mine. I replaced the stock JBL unit in my 09 camry se with a kenwood ddx7019 and used the PAC TATO interface for the amp.

I have experienced alternator whine in other cars with aftermarket HUs and I understand the common causes (ground loops etc).
I have used PAC ground loop isolating filters before but the alternator whine in those cars were a bit different.

Previously in other cars, I've experienced the whine when the radio was on, and the whine could be heard at low radio volumes when the rpms rev'd.

The alternator whine I'm experiencing now, in my 2009, only occurs when the aftermarket headunit is powered off. As soon as its powered on, even at 0 volume, the alternator whine is gone.

Since this doesnt seem to be exactly the same as previous problems I've had with other cars, I'm not sure the ground loop isolater (rca filters) are going to help.

Are there any other suggestions? Possibly connecting the HU ground to the factory AMP ground?
Also, I'm not sure if its related, but the amp seems to send a pop or crackle through the speakers when the car is shifted into Park.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[tblo163]

Originally Posted by savante

Hey guys,
I have a question and I did a search but didnt see anything as specific a problem as mine. I replaced the stock JBL unit in my 09 camry se with a kenwood ddx7019 and used the PAC TATO interface for the amp.

I have experienced alternator whine in other cars with aftermarket HUs and I understand the common causes (ground loops etc).
I have used PAC ground loop isolating filters before but the alternator whine in those cars were a bit different.

Previously in other cars, I've experienced the whine when the radio was on, and the whine could be heard at low radio volumes when the rpms rev'd.

The alternator whine I'm experiencing now, in my 2009, only occurs when the aftermarket headunit is powered off. As soon as its powered on, even at 0 volume, the alternator whine is gone.

Since this doesnt seem to be exactly the same as previous problems I've had with other cars, I'm not sure the ground loop isolater (rca filters) are going to help.

Are there any other suggestions? Possibly connecting the HU ground to the factory AMP ground?
Also, I'm not sure if its related, but the amp seems to send a pop or crackle through the speakers when the car is shifted into Park.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

I've only just spotted you post,it looks like your amp is drawing current.In a conventional HU,where the amp is built in,you will see that the amplifier IC,is permanently connected to B+ (constant) it then relies on the Acc + circuit to switch it on via the various intergrated circuits in the unit.In your set-up it seems that it is a hybrid system,which is no problem providing it's connected correctly.if your amp is drawing current it will react to any power surge even when the HU is off,(crackling speakers ect.) & because the HU is off,there is no signal via the tuner,Alternator whine is filtered by the filter(choke) in the HU. So 1st check the power supply to your amp,you can connect an ammeter in series,or use the old fashioned "short test" by removing a battery terminal, and connecting a small bulb in series with the battery & terminal.If there is any current draw the bulb will light.(only the clock will not register) If there is a current draw then it's obvious that it would flatten the battery in time.Alternatively you could simply disconnect the power to the amp,& run the engine,if the whine dissapears then you need to look at the way you've got the system wired up.It is not really a serious problem,and you should be able to sort it,considering the system works o.k.when the HU is on.
I will be interested to know what you find (let me know ?) Terry.