Intermittent Sound Problems With 1994 Stock JBL Audio System

[Pete_L]

On my 1994 XLT with the stock JBL Stereo Audio System, there's an intermittent (though more often than not lately) deterioration in the sound quality coming from the speakers (seems like the bass is over-driven causing an irritating, garbled vibration). This occurs even when the ignition is only on auxilary mode & the SUV isn't being driven...I've swapped the stock Sony AM-FM Cassette Deck with another one but the same annoying sound problem returns. Could it be the Sub-woofer Amplifier &/or the Amplifier, both of which I understand are located somewhere behind the interior side panel on the passenger rear side? I don't want to change the entire audio components, so where (other than in the scrap yard) would I get access to these parts?
ThanX!

 

[gsmaclean]

It's more likely the subwoofer itself. If it's been over-driven, the coil will cook and the result is distorted (garbled) bass.

Open up the subwoofer enclosure cover, unscrew the subwoofer and disconnect it (don't let the wires touch each other) and then run your system without the sub connected. If the bad sound is gone, then you've found your culprit.

Replacement subwoofer speakers are easy to find, I got mine on eBay for not a whole lot of money.

 

[Pete_L]

Follow-up RE: Intermittent Sound Problems w/Stock JBL Audio System

ThanX for the advice regarding checking out the subwoofer amp....Just some more trivia if someone can help - Is it true that there are ~ 3 types of 'Premium' JBL Audio Systems involved in 1994 models...ranging from the XLT (basic), thro' the Eddie Bauer, to the top-of-the-line Limited Edition version? My '94 XLT (2wd with the Limited Slip differential: D4 code) only has an FM/AM Cassette Stereo Deck (# F37F-19B165-AF) with NO Premium JBL Stereo features apparently; whereas a friend has a similar '94 2wd XLT (w/ a D4 diff. code) but has a non-functioning CD player (#F37F-18C815-AE) built into the stereo deck instead of the cassette player. I checked out website http://oem-auto-accessory.com/factory ford radios.html but can't find either of these pre-1995 Sony/JBL Audio stereo decks listed...Any comments are welcome.....

 

[Pete_L]

Can Poor Chassis Grounding Cause Intermittent JBL Stereo Audio Trouble?

I've been informed by a former after-warranty Ford stereo repair technician that poor grounding in Ford SUVs & other Ford vehicles (such as checking to ensure that the flat-shaped ground strap connected between the tranny & engine block/frame hasn't been broken off during an Xmission repair) can lead to quirky, intermittent stereo problems, like garbled sound quality...Comments?