Engine noise - need help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 103
From: St Louis, MO
Engine noise - need help
I have a C5 with an after market system. There is engine noise when in radio mode. The CD play is clean.
Does this sound like an antenna issue rather than a ground issue?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Does this sound like an antenna issue rather than a ground issue?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 103
From: St Louis, MO
I will check the antenna behind the head unit. When the engine is off I get some clear fm channels and some with static. I get very few am channels. When the car is running, I hear an additional ticking noise that goes faster with the rpm. The h/u is an Eclipse similar to the one in you picture.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the info.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
I will check the antenna behind the head unit. When the engine is off I get some clear fm channels and some with static. I get very few am channels. When the car is running, I hear an additional ticking noise that goes faster with the rpm. The h/u is an Eclipse similar to the one in you picture.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the info.
Still could be a ground loop. I think the C5 has an antenna amplifier module which is tripped on when you switch to radio. The ground of the amp/head vs the ground of the FM amplifier being in separate places could be creating a ground loop. If that's the case the best solution would be to find the ground for the FM antenna and ground it to the same point as your amp/head.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
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I am willing to bet that there is at least one Class D amplifier in your car based upon what you've posted. The switching power supply in these amplifiers can interfere with amplified antenna systems. It does not happen all the time, but if you're the lucky winner, you're choices are limited to:
Replace the Class D amp with an A/B design
Replace the amplified antenna with a standard mast.
If you want to do a quick test, remove the remote wire to the Class D amp (so it doesn't power-up) and have a listen to the radio. Your noise should go away. Plug that wire back in and the noise will come back.
It's not a manufacturer thing as much as it's the nature of the beast with Class D at this point.
I hope this helps and it applies so this rant was good for something!
Replace the Class D amp with an A/B design
Replace the amplified antenna with a standard mast.
If you want to do a quick test, remove the remote wire to the Class D amp (so it doesn't power-up) and have a listen to the radio. Your noise should go away. Plug that wire back in and the noise will come back.
It's not a manufacturer thing as much as it's the nature of the beast with Class D at this point.
I hope this helps and it applies so this rant was good for something!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
It would be one (or THE one) aftermarket amp so it wouldn't be hard to find in a Vette... not likely under a seat but maybe, behind a seat or in the back. He's talking about a big aftermarket amplifier, not a stock amp buried in the dash or footwell.