Stereo Electical Problem

I installed a Boss Audio MC900B Bluetooth amplifier in my jeep to get some tunes and hid some speakers under the seats. The system works great when the jeep isn't running. When it's running the audio cuts out really bad, to the point you can't even tell the stereo is on.

I'm running a 12v generator and a original type voltage regulator (new from walcks) and a new wiring harness also from walcks.

When I hook up a multi meter, the voltage is all over the place I assume from the regulator clicking on and off. The lights and charging system appear to be working properly.

Has anyone else had this type of problem? I suspect the voltage regulator isn't regulating the voltage enough for the amplifier. But that's just a guess.

I also tried hooking the amp directly to the battery and it does the same thing when the jeep is running and the voltage off the battery with the multi meter says the same as above.

I have read that sometimes people need a filter inline to get rid of "generator or alternator whine" but that doesn't seem to be the issue with this.

Help!

 

I agree and I'll measure this tonight and report back. If it's over 10 amps, what do I do?

The battery is a brand new black top interstate and appears to be working fine in all aspects. I've also tried it at idle, same result.

 

Not an expert, but my two cents. (Fully refundable.)

Sounds to me like it is a voltage issue - that the stereo must be very voltage sensitive, and the Jeep is giving it voltage right at it's minimum cut-out level. I know that times when I've lost my charging system and am limping home, when the stereo goes dark it is the earliest warning of the battery being exhausted.

Maybe the wiring or ground to the stereo isn't up to snuff, and is causing voltage drop when other items come on line. Check your connections and connectors, especially if there is any other stuff on the same circuit that is activated when the jeep is running.

OR - Maybe the regulator is set slightly low for modern voltage standards. (Modern batteries are charged slightly higher than in the olden days.)

Amperage wouldn't be a primary factor, IMHO, since the battery can easily dump hundreds of amps into the system when needed.

PS - try an analog meter to get a true indication of any voltage fluctuation. Digitals can't cope with averages.

Also it is my Golden Rule of Diagnosis, to check the "new" stuff first.

 

What does the FSM say?

 

Dog did nothin' cumon man!

 

FSM won't tell you how to trouble shoot an aftermarket stereo system problem.

What are you using for a power source?
Where are you grounding it?

The stereo probably ought to have it's own separate fused circuit.

 

Update!

Last night i tested the draw when the jeep isn't running. The stereo draws about .5 to 1 amp when it's really loud.

I also changed the power supply from it's current setup which is constant + power from the battery terminal on the ignition switch, + ignition power from the ignition terminal on the ignition switch and the ground from a screw on the firewall that holds the voltage regulator.

I changed to a separate 12volt battery to power the stereo while the jeep was running - meaning it was totally isolated from the car's electrical system. The same problem still persisted. The problem is obviously some sort of electrical interference from the running engine.

Thoughts on what or how to fix it?

 

It could also be that vibration from the running jeep is shaking something connected to or inside of the stereo.

 

autolite 295 plugs and copper core plug wires. Should I be using something else

 

Try adding a radio static supressor (capacitor) to the generator? And/or the ignition coil?

Or maybe a choke in the feed to the stereo.

I must add that I don't know about radio.

 

Ya got something else going on if it cuts out with a totally separate circuit with it's own battery and the jeep is running. There is something not right in the stereo it's own self. Does this also happen if you put in a different radio/stereo?

 

Spark Plug wire interference which is much louder on AM then FM sounds like a motor sound coming from the speakers. You can actually hear the ignition as you rev up the engine. It would not have any cutting out effect on the radio.