2008 Explorer Hum Noise for Sub

[xpipe98]

I have a 2008 Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 4.6L all stock. Radio system is completely stock. No aftermarket mods of any kind other than tinted windows. There is a weird humming noise coming from the subwoofer ONLY. No other speakers hum/buzz Humming/buzzing when radio is on and nothing when off (this may be obvious). Oddly, doesn't seem to increase humming/buzzing when you give it gas.

I know humming is typically grounding issues but looking for some insights anyone has on where to start giving its only the sub??

Is the sub in the Explorer on an amp separate from the other speakers (2 amps in this vehicle)? Could the amp be bad and cause this issue?

Anyone have a link on how to disassemble the rear panels for the 2008 Explorer that will allow access to the sub?

I will note, recently changed the alternator. I don't know if the noise was there prior given its my wife's car and of course she didn't notice the humming before. I'm pretty sure its not the alternator. I've discussed this with several people and the auto shop and no one yet thinks the problem is linked. All connections and bolts are tight.

Thanks for everyone's help in advance!!!

 

[Flag Gibby]

Sounds like your subwoofer or amp is toast and needs to be replaced and yes the sub is on its own amp. I have had subwoofer amplifiers die that cause the speaker to just hum the whole time. Usually a blown speaker still tries to make the right sound but is all distorted with a nasty rattle like sound or doesn't make any sound at all. So what I am saying is that odds are on the amp being bad and nothing wrong with the speaker. Search around I am sure that there are posts here or in the audio/navigation section describing how to get to the amp and subwoofer.

 

[xpipe98]

Thanks! Sounds like I'm on the right track. I will keep you posted. I will check around the audio section as well.

 

[superinstaller]

You could try hooking up another speaker to the sub amp to see if the sound is still there, also start the car w the alternator unhooked to see if it stops since thats the recent and only change.

 

[xpipe98]

I tried to disconnect the alternator today to see if it had a direct effect. Unfortunately, when I disconnected the alternator the vehicle lost all power. Kind of like blowing a fuse without blowing a fuse. Key turned to on position gave power like normal and when I tried to turn the motor over, the whole vehicle went dead. Needless to say, I hooked the alternator back up normally and thank goodness all fired as normal...with the buzz though still in the sub. Net net, wasn't able to take the alternator out of the loop to prove or disprove. The parts department at Ford said on the newer models it was unlikely you could unhook the alternator and have the vehicle turn over. He said you could on the old Explorers and run off the battery for awhile but something in the programming in the newer Explorers didn't allow.

Anyone have a part number for the stock amp...nice pull and go replacement? Haven't found in a Google search yet.

Really don't want to get into overhauling aftermarket amps, components, and sub. It's the wife's car and she wouldn't know what to do with a really good after market system anyway

 

[superinstaller]

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=u+pull+it+atlanta

 

[Tech By Trade]

check your grounds. I bet its floating. Yes the amp can be disconnected, just cut the remote line off the HU.