Sub working intermittantly, makes creaking/pop noise

[Jovian2k]

I have a pioneer DEH8500MP deck, Jensen 500w Amp, RF 1 Farad Cap and Pioneer 1000w shallow mount sub. The Sub is intermittently working, sometimes I turn on my car and it sounds great as if there are no issues at all but other times I turn on my car and its as if it is not getting any signal. The Amp is always lit up as if it is getting power/ground/remote signals just fine (light on the amp is out when any of these are removed). The Cap is wired up properly and I have checked all power and ground wires (8 gauge). Speaker wires and RCA's are connected just fine.

I have had this problem previously with my old pioneer deck. Couldn't figure out why my subs were not working all the time when the amp and subs seemed fine, and on installing another deck it worked no problem. I don't know if it is a problem with Pioneer's RCA output being crap but I don't know how to test this again (no spare deck laying around).

On a related note, when I do turn on my car the sub makes a strange creaking noise for about 10 sec. and sometimes a pop and then goes away.

Anyone have any experience with this or knows what this sounds like I would be ever so grateful!

[umcamara]

I'd say it's an issue with the subs' voice coils, or the wiring inside the sub boxes. There is no issue with Pioneer's RCA pre-outs, unless you've got 2 defective, or damaged head units.

It's possible that when you used a different brand of deck, the sub happened to be working at that time.

Also, just because the amp is lit up and powered, it doesn't mean that it is capable of drawing the amount of current that it needs under load. The power/ground wires could be frayed to the point where they will allow some current flow to power the amp under idle load, but not under full draw.

Check for shorts in your subs' speaker wires as well. These would cause the amp to go into protection mode temporarily.

Another thing is does your amp receive a good cooling airflow? Or is it overheating because of it's mounting position and going into protection mode?

[neuspeedescort]

im going to vote your remote wire is loose/shorting out.

since your not popping fuses.


NEUMAN

[Jovian2k]

checked the remote wire connection, then disconnected it and ran a new remote wire straight through to the amp to see if it worked - same problem. The amp/cap are mounted to rear seat, something I did recently to increase airflow but same problem. I will check ground/power connections and see if I need to re-do those and see if that helps, such a PITA!

[Red Rocket]

To check ur remote wire, just jumpa wire from the +12V on the amp to the rem on the amp, if the problem is still there then buy a new amp, jenson isnt great stuff, and is probably not built to drive a 1000W sub.

[Jovian2k]

Just ordered a new amp, don't trust the 5+ year old Jensen anymore... I think this should fix the problem
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KAC8104 ... mono&ssi=0

[_-Night-Shade-_]

Just ordered a new amp, don't trust the 5+ year old Jensen anymore... I think this should fix the problem
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KAC8104 ... mono&ssi=0

Nice! I've got the same one

[Jovian2k]

Installed the Kenwood amplifier yesterday and so far, everything works great!
No more creaking/popping noise and my sub sounds awesome! The Jensen was also under powering my sub which I'm sure didnt help, in addition to the fact that it was old and a Jensen. I'd definitely recommend his amp plus got it for $109 shipped on eBay new plus warranty. Woohoo I've got bump back in my trunk!

[neuspeedescort]

i wouldn't have trusted the jensen in the first place. not a fan. that kenwood is much nicer!


NEUMAN