How to tell if I have a stock amp?

[RammaR]

I've done a few searches without much luck yet. I've got a '96 XLT with the 6-disc changer in the console. I don't think I have the "JBL" system as there is no stock sub in the back. However the guys at Best Buy said I did have an amp.

The real problem is that my passenger side speakers will sometimes cut-out if I hit a bump. They don't stop playing completly, just get really quiet. The front is worse than the back. Now if I turn the volume way up a few times it comes right back (or wait until the next large bump). I've pulled the speakers and swapped sides and the problem stays on the passenger doors. I've tried other speakers as well - same problem. I've pulled the HU and checked for good connections and everything seems ok. One search I did said something about a bad connection back at the amp - but I didn't think I had one since there was no sub.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Joey P]

If you have a stock amp, it would be behind the passenger side cargo area plastic cover. You could maybe pull the cover off and see if you have an amp back there?

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

All '95-'97 Explorers have an amp or a sub amp (JBL systems only) in the back. According to Cobrajeff, those years were the only years that had the "Distributed Architecture" sound systems.

So...you're having problems with one speaker, and only going over bumps? If so, make sure the connections are nice and tight. Then if that doesn't solve the problem, then you might have a problem with the amp. You can either replace that amp from a junk Explorer or get an aftermarket HU.

 

[RammaR]

Thanks - its the entire passenger side but the front is worse then the back. Since it doesn't matter which speaker is where, i'm sure its upstream somewhere. Good to know I have an amp for sure - I'll try to pull the panel next and see whats there.

 

[Chachi]

Best buy installers (in most stores) know there stuff