Re: 2000 Corolla new stereo getting engine (alternator?) noise

On Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:30:23 +0000, MD99 wrote:
[color=blue]
> Just following up with latest news. Still no fix. I tried replacing each
> individual plug coil one at a time - no difference to the problem. I also
> tried grounding everything together to the same point again - no
> difference. I did some messing around and pulled the head unit out to try
> once again rearranging or rerouting some of the wires behind it.
> Strangely enough...if I pull the head unit out about 4-6 inches from itÂ’s
> resting place, the noise goes away. Now it has sort of morphed into more
> of what I would call a "radiated" noise. The noise is there with the
> engine off - just accessory turned on. So....it seems that some electrical
> component or wire bundle behind the head unit is generating an "RF" leak
> and is somehow being picked up by the head unit. Question is...how do you
> fix it? I tried shielding it with tin foil but that makes no difference.
> Is there some kind of lead shielding product I can purchase for this
> purpose? I also tried running a ground wire directly to the head unit
> chassis itself - no difference to the problem. I also tried putting an
> additional filter on the Amplifier end - no difference to the problem.[/color]


Holy crap! When you pose a problem, you sure make it a good one!!
Now when you say the noise is there with accessory on, is it also there
with IGN on, and/or the engine running?

And, what do you have for accessories that would be powered up with ACC
ON? Do you have phone chargers, XM or Sirius satellite receivers, GPS, etc?
A dealer installed alarm system? (I trust you see where I'm going here...)

I don't think it's anything TOYOTA installed on the car, more likely
something either the dealer or you added. It could be the dealer installed
something behind the dash that is interfereing with a more sensitive radio.

Also, is it there no matter what the input source, or does it go away when
accessing a CD or iPod, etc? Do you HAVE a direct iPod input? The JVCs
require a proprietary cable to add a line in, and these can cause problems
depending on what they're located next to.

Also, try turning on accessories one at a time; wipers, rear defrost,
heat/fan, etc and see if it gets worse. Then I think you'll find the
culprit.

Man, every once in a while someone pulls a real stumper out of the
air...you win the prize this time!!! ;)

Good luck!


Oh...going over your original post, try swapping those Fosgate wires
with...Playstation wiring...it's well sheilded for being located close to
a large electro-magnet! ;) It doesn't have to be name brand; Wal*Marts
mid-priced set will work.



[color=blue]
>
> "MD99" wrote:[color=green]
> > Figured I'd post to see if anyone has any suggestions other than what
> > I've tried already. Installed a new stereo system in 2000 corolla.
> > New Pioneer head unit, component blaupunkts in the front, polk audio
> > speakers in the rear, profile amp driving the four speakers, another
> > profile amp driving a Dual subwoofer box with 2 12" subs. Am getting
> > engine noise (whine, gets louder and faster as engine accelerates). I
> > have regrounded my amps to the chassis with a very tight connection and
> > 12 guage ground wire, scraped all paint away to bare metal - have tried
> > different ground points. Put in new battery with 2 guage ground strap,
> > scraped to bare metal ground point - head unit is grounded to chassis
> > same as battery point, but have tried different points. Have upgraded
> > to top-grade twisted pair, oxygen free 12 gauge speaker wire, rerouted
> > speaker wire up through top of doors in panels, no other cabling is
> > near, upgraded signal (RCA) cables to top-grade rockford-fosgate
> > braided cables for optimum noise rejection, also routed up through top
> > of door panels away from any other cabling - power cable to amps runs
> > down through center of car underneath carpet - have tried running power
> > to amps directly from an outside battery - no difference, have run
> > power to head unit directly from battery bypassing wiring through
> > firewall - no difference. My next step is to replace the spark plugs
> > and possibly the alternator itself. Any thoughts?
> > Suggestions? Thanks[/color][/color]