Losing audio when I hit a bump. 97 w/ JBL

[dantes990]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 97 Explorer XLT w/ the JBL audio system. In the last day or so the audio started cutting out when I hit a bump... by cutting out I mean it goes away completely. All I have to do is turn the stereo off then back on and the audio comes right back, which leads me to believe the amp(s) are turning off when I hit these bumps. My questions:

1. Is there more than one amp? I know of one amp in the back by the sub, and I have read things that lead me to believe there are two amps.

2. Does the amp(s) use some form of ground lift (not sure if that is the right terminology) remote to know when to turn on? I have read others talking about that and I am only familiar with the typical remote you see with aftermarket stereos.

3. Anyone else experience this problem before?

Thanks for any info - I am assuming here the remote is the problem, like a loose wire or something. I hate troubleshooting electrical problems....

 

[TerryS1980]

There could possibly be 2 amps one for the door speakers and another on the subwoofer enclosure. Are you loosing sound from all speakers and the sub?

 

[dantes990]

Yeah, all sound goes away. I tried switching sources (like FM to CD) and there is no audio at all until I turn off the stereo then turn it back on.

 

[Mutineer]

sounds like you got a bare wire /loose connection somewhere that shorts when you hit a bump to disconnect the sound, it has a protection circuit in it to turn it off in this situation and you have to turn it off then back on to reset it.

I didnt have this issue, but I did accidentally short the thing while working on it once and figured this much about it. Took me a little bit to figure it out...lol

Hope this helps

Daniel

 

[dantes990]

sounds like you got a bare wire /loose connection somewhere that shorts when you hit a bump to disconnect the sound, it has a protection circuit in it to turn it off in this situation and you have to turn it off then back on to reset it.

I didnt have this issue, but I did accidentally short the thing while working on it once and figured this much about it. Took me a little bit to figure it out...lol

Hope this helps

Daniel

Didn't think about a protection circuit, I bet that is what it is. Thanks for the tip! Now... of all the possible places there could be a loose connection tripping the protection circuit....

 

[Mutineer]

Now... of all the possible places there could be a loose connection tripping the protection circuit....

lol

I was working on the wiring when I did it to myself...thought i had fried it...lol

Might be internal to the Head unit, that is the most likely place unless you or someone else has done wiring to the sound system....

maybe a loose mount on the amp or head unit...a crushed wire or wiring connector....

Good Luck Brother!

Daniel

 

[TerryS1980]

Pull out the head unit and check the wiring behind it.