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Rear Speakers Working Intermittently

Bronco Boy

Bronco Boy

Donating Users
2002 GT, non Bose system, aftermarket radio w/ Axxes steering wheel control.

All speakers worked fine for the first 5 years I've had this car, but late last year the rear speakers stopped working, intermittently. Then they stopped working altogether. I figured maybe something with the wiring harness behind the radio, but I had it apart last week and after wigggling and jiggling the wires, nothing changed. And then the past week the weather has been warmer, and I notice that the rear speakers are working again, but still intermittently. When they work, they work great.

I'm thinking maybe the amp is acting up, but was wondering if there was a common problem with these audio systems? Maybe a power connection that fails?
 


If it's working when warm and not working when cold, that tells me it's a connection issue that will be very hard to find...

If the metal connections are contracting enough to cut out when it's cold outside, that tells me there's a thin layer of oxidation on some connector somewhere, and when it gets warm it expands just enough for the current to flow through that thin layer.

So that means checking all of the solder joints, splices, terminals, connectors, and making sure none of them are cracked, loose or discolored.

It could also be a short between the positive wires and ground somewhere between the dash and the trunk. I made speakers not work by accident that way... Lol
 
WarStryker13 said:
If it's working when warm and not working when cold, that tells me it's a connection issue that will be very hard to find...

If the metal connections are contracting enough to cut out when it's cold outside, that tells me there's a thin layer of oxidation on some connector somewhere, and when it gets warm it expands just enough for the current to flow through that thin layer.

So that means checking all of the solder joints, splices, terminals, connectors, and making sure none of them are cracked, loose or discolored.

It could also be a short between the positive wires and ground somewhere between the dash and the trunk. I made speakers not work by accident that way... Lol
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That's the answer I was expecting, but hoping I wouldn't get. LOL

Supposed to be sunny on Sunday, so I'll see what I can find. I have a complete boomin' system that came out of my T-bird, but haven't had the desire to install it in the GP. Maybe that desire is around the corner. LOL
 
I'd take a multimeter to the wires first, so you'll have an idea of how deep you'll have to go to fix it, and that usually helps when deciding. Lol
 
did the amp under the dash show signs of water damage? sometimes that amp can get wet if you have the cowl leak / AC drain issue.
 
WarStryker13 said:
I'd take a multimeter to the wires first, so you'll have an idea of how deep you'll have to go to fix it, and that usually helps when deciding. Lol
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:th_thumb-up:



mguzzo said:
did the amp under the dash show signs of water damage? sometimes that amp can get wet if you have the cowl leak / AC drain issue.
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I though the amps were in the trunk. I have no water leaks and have the water deflector in the cowl. I will give it a look over for sure.
 


Update:

I have the UW6 audio option, so no amp(s), just radio and speakers. I pulled the radio and did some testing; the radio is putting out a rear audio signal. Doing the 9-volt battery test, I can pop the front speakers, but not the rear.

I think it is time to focus on the speakers themselves.
 
Does it make that crappy sound when you push on the cone with the music on? That's another way to tell blown voice coil.
 
The rear speakers in my 01 GT just up and stopped working one day, I replaced them with some aftermarket ones and they worked just fine. The stock Delco speakers suck.
 
What he said, the speakers in my 02 would only work when it was above 80 degrees. Threw some kenwoods in and never looked back
 


SaukRapids said:
Does it make that crappy sound when you push on the cone with the music on? That's another way to tell blown voice coil.
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I don't have the speakers exposed, so can't do that test yet. They just don't work, or some times they do. Funny thing, just after my last post, I had to run out. Speakers worked fine. Get home, check speakers an hour later, no worky.



Slick2500 said:
The rear speakers in my 01 GT just up and stopped working one day, I replaced them with some aftermarket ones and they worked just fine. The stock Delco speakers suck.
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1FastGP said:
What he said, the speakers in my 02 would only work when it was above 80 degrees. Threw some kenwoods in and never looked back
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Thanks guys. I've read that this is a common problem, but few posted the fix.

Looks like I will invest in some new 6x9's.
 
Bronco Boy said:
I don't have the speakers exposed, so can't do that test yet. They just don't work, or some times they do. Funny thing, just after my last post, I had to run out. Speakers worked fine. Get home, check speakers an hour later, no worky.





Thanks guys. I've read that this is a common problem, but few posted the fix.

Looks like I will invest in some new 6x9's.
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Alpine makes some good 6x9s.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk
 
Note: today after driving around for hours with only the front speakers working, I parked the car and the right rear came on. LOL
 


Installed some new 6x9's and all is good, except that they sound crappier than the stock ones. YAY! Time to dig out the subs/amp and get them installed.

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Thanks for the replies on this one!
 
With speakers you get what you pay for. Honestly I've never heard of that brand and a quick Google search shows not many have, but they have asked for advice on them.

I tend to use Alpine SPS 619 as the general guide for price. They go from 65-80 so around there is about what you can expect for a good introductory speaker for a non-amplified setup.

Look into adjusting your equalizer before spending on subs. Some speakers want more power to certain ranges while some want less.

Sent from my ASUS_Z00TD using Tapatalk
 
nox said:
With speakers you get what you pay for. Honestly I've never heard of that brand and a quick Google search shows not many have, but they have asked for advice on them.
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Absolutely. These were $50 CDN wholesale, and retail for around $80-90CDN. They are Kenwood knock-off's, made in the same plant.



I tend to use Alpine SPS 619 as the general guide for price. They go from 65-80 so around there is about what you can expect for a good introductory speaker for a non-amplified setup.
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So what I paid. :th_biggrin2:



Look into adjusting your equalizer before spending on subs. Some speakers want more power to certain ranges while some want less.
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My deck has a pretty extensive EQ, and I spent most of my lunch break yesterday messing with it. Low volume is ok, but if you want to crank it a bit, the sucking starts. It's the low frequency's that are making things suck, and I'm pretty sure the speakers just want more power. The only cost for subs is me making a box; I have subs and amps from my T-Bird.
 
Fair enough and 65-80 US. So 88-110 CAN.

You see knowledgeable enough so I have faith in your decisions. Subs add a great depth to lows and mids. If you haven't yet, look into component speakers, I thought coaxial were good enough, and then I tried component with an external crossover and given the choice, I don't plan on going back.

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