Speaker Distortion? Bad Reception?

[Srimps]

I just picked up a 2004 WRX and I'm having problems with the radio/speakers.

All audio is stock.

The radio doesn't come in at all basically. I get distortion with every channel and when I run the window washing fluid... it distorts even more (speakers go all fuzzy).

The cd player works but I get a lot of fuzz in the speakers at all ranges of volume.

I have no clue what could be wrong, all I want to do is listen to something during my everyday commute other than PSSSS CRACKLE CRACKLE PSSS.

[SD_GR]

Just a theory:

Either the audio system or the motor had been previously modified. This has left you either with a bad connection or ground in the audio system or weird spark plugs.

My guess would be a bad connection in the audio system.

[Gamma]

Found your problem:

All audio is stock.

hehe...
Actually, it sounds like you've got some serious grounding issues. You need to pull the HU out and take a good look at all the wires, especially where the ground.

[Srimps]

Found your problem:




hehe...
Actually, it sounds like you've got some serious grounding issues. You need to pull the HU out and take a good look at all the wires, especially where the ground.

I took the HU out and it was hard to see where it grounded (everything was wrapped in foamy pad). Where does it ground normally? All the wires connecting to the HU looked like they were in good condition as far as I could tell.

I know this is probably irrelevant but I'm also having hesitation issues on partial throttle. Heres my link to the other thread...

WRX Clunk and Hesitation Problems


Thanks guys

[jcaputo]

Definitely sounds like a grounding issue is the cause of both things. Start with the battery, make sure it is grounded properly. Check/clean/replace as necessary the ground coming off the battery. Follow it all the way to the chassis.

I'm not sure where the stock HU is grounded normally. I've taken mine out, and there is just the main harness and then the antenna attachment as far as I remember, so the ground must just be part of the harness.

[plac]

you might also have a spade clip ground wire which attaches to the outside of the cage.

[adizzle02]

you might also have a spade clip ground wire which attaches to the outside of the cage.

There should be a female space connector thats black that plugs onto the radio mounting bracket.

[Srimps]

yeah the black clip that is on the side of the HU is connected. Measured the volts from there to the hot on the back of the HU and it was fine too.