A funny thing happened to me on the way to the forum...I was driving along the highway when static suddenly started coming from my speakers. It was high- def. static, to be sure- the crisp sound of someone crumpling up cellophane right next to your ear. The radio signal seemed to wash out at the same time. I switched modes to the CD player, and the same thing- static was loud, music was soft and distorted. I then turned on my nav system and turned off the radio. When the car gave directions, the static was there and the nav voice was soft and distorted. The static did not seem to increase or diminish with throttle position or engine revs. 15 minutes into my drive, the static disappeared. The next day, I started the car and the static returned, only to disappear later in my drive. Since then, it always comes on when I start the car, but comes and goes at random.

The car is a 2004 with H/K sound. Do I have a loose connection? Bad head unit? Or some electronic control module malfunction that can only be fixed by acquiring unobtanium?

 

Check your ground. Sometimes a bad ground will cause static.

 

Thanks, that sounds like a good idea. Now for the stupid question: where do I check my ground?

 

From what I've seen here, those sounds are the bell tolling for your H/K amplifier.

I'd start with reseating the connectors in the amp - it's in the little cubby in the passenger side boot. If that doesn't work, time to call a wrecker and see if they have one.

 

Yep. Chances are it's your HK amp. Are you till under warranty? Get it replaced. Sadly it is a common issue, and will continue to get worse.

 

Ouch- that sounds like bad news. I really love the sound from my H/K system. I'll go and check the connections to the amp. Could it also be a connection to the head unit? (Come to think of it, the noise comes and goes when I accellerate, decellerate, or hit a bump, but never when stationary) And if worst comes to worst, will my nav system be compatible with an aftermarket sound system?

 

Unfortunately, she's no longer under warranty (48k miles, but over 3 yrs). I just checked the dealership for a quote on a new amp and it made my hair stand on end! Any way to bypass the amp to confirm it is bad? Anyone know the name of a good wrecker?

 

personaly id run a aftermarket amp with more power, well thats the easiest option here in engaland

 

It should be covered under the 4year/50k mi warranty.

 

Oops, I meant over 4 years. The car was purchased 12/23/03...Is there an aftermarket solution to this, or is my only option to get the factory amp?

 

a aftermarket would be a lot more powerful

 

Well, yes and no.

First, look on ebay or search for used parts. You can find the amp much cheaper that way. I believe new it runs $600, but people have got them used for $100.

You can't simply add an aftermarket amp. The speakers are individually wired, work at custom voltages and an uncommon impedance. Nothing is impossible, of course, and people have done it.
Search gbmini.net as he makes a circuit that allows it. You still might have to replace all your speakers with normal ones though.

 

If the car was purchased 12/23/03, then you have until the end of 2007 before your warranty runs out, yes?

 

Holy Poo! You guys are right! Now, why on earth did I think it was a 3 year warranty? Just called the dealership and have an appointment for this week! Thanks for clearing up what would have been a very expensive case of brain fade!

 

When I joined this forum, I was told there would be no math...

 

LOL

There is not math... just need to have Calculus as a prerequisite

 

:D Very glad to hear this will be taken care of. It's always painful to hear of an expensive repair that's not your fault.

 

It just started one day on morning start-up. LOUD digital noise, and static, diminished sound quality, same in alll modes and sources, but FRONT SPEAKERS ONLY! Rears sound dull but fine. It's at the dealer now for a warrantee fix... which runs out in 2 days!!! Whew! I'll let you all know about the outcome.

L