Car Audio Problem

[98XJSport]

Ok any car audio experts, I have a 98 XJ, obviously from my name. Back when I got it, I installed a Sony CD player, 400W amp and 1 12" sub. I wired the amp using RCA jacks and powered it direct from the battery. Worked fine for a year or so, but for the past year whenever I play something with a fast baseline and turn the volume up, the CD player turns off. It then turns back on, and will repeat the cycle until I turn it down a little bit. It will do it vehicle running or not, at different volumes depending on the song. I figured maybe the sub and amp, so I pulled it out. Still does the same thing, I just need to crank it up more for it to do it. Any thoughts? Im hoping wiring and not the CD player shitting the bed...

 

[jforse]

First guess would be the ground. SHould be grounded to the back of the Head Unit itself off of the factory wire harness. Pull the deck out and inspect let us know what you find.

 

[jmowens]

Bass (especially with a sub, but even without) draws much more (ever see someone's lights dim when the bass hits?). Sounds to me like your main power lead to the head unit is bad. Have you checked it? Any kink or stretched area will kill the wires...

I am assuming your other speakers are running off the head unit's internal amp - which will pull more power when the bass hits. I think this is most likely the root of your problem.

JM2CW
Michael

 

[Boxil]

Whats happening is whats called clipping. usually happens with amps more so then HU's but essentially your HU is a mini amp as well. Clipping happens when you have a load that is to large for the wiring that is supplying power. upgrade your powers and grounding wire's and you should be in the clear. most amps regardless of size should be run at a minimum of 10g wire and prefered to be at 8g. your head unit can run from 14 to 10 as well. hope this helps you out. if its not wiring then try taking out your head unit and installing it in another vehicle. if the problem continues then it could be the HU itself.