99 Alero factory amp
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=16123
Printed Date: June 06, 2024 at 6:42 AM
Topic: 99 Alero factory amp
Posted By: angela27
Subject: 99 Alero factory amp
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 8:59 AM
I was wondering if anyone knew the location of the factory amp in a 1999 Olds Alero? I'm thinking that the factor amp might be shot, because if i turn the volume up (especially if its got bass) the stereo will shut down and usually doesn't come back on for days. Also, is there an easy way to bypass it, just for the time being? We are going on a trip and not having any music sucks!! I appreciate any input. Thanks!
Replies:
Posted By: ViperATC5
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 12:51 PM
To my knowledge, most alero's do not come with a factory amp, and therefore its probably a problem with the unit in the dash. Furthermore, if the vehicle was factory amplified (it would probably be behind the glove box), bypassing it and keeping the factory radio would not work, since the amp would be necessary to produce the singal that goes to the speakers. The best thing for you to do is to purchase a new in dash unit, since getting a new delco radio from any GM dealer will likely cost around $500.
Posted By: MAXST
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 1:06 PM
if thats the case...if i where you...go out and get a pioneer deck..that'll sound better and then you can add on too your system later on..ie subs also not nessicarly is the amp near the source...my ma's amp in her sentra for the sub is right under it.. ------------- I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.
Posted By: angela27
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 4:55 PM
i'm pretty much positive that it does have the factory amp according to the window sticker and manual its a 6 speaker system with a 100 w amp. I did have another head unit in only to have the same problem. We figured it was the aftermarket radio that was causing the problem so we put the original head unit back in only to have same problems. Any other reasons why the stereo would shut off at higher volumes? I'm desperate and getting ready to use a portable radio.  Also, my knowledge of stereo's and installation is limited...so please bear with me! thanks!
Posted By: MAXST
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 5:00 PM
it works..but once you turn it up it doesnt...im thinkin its the amp...you install it yourself or have like best buy do it? id take it to a stereo shop and ask them to test it..thats what im thinkin.
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I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.
Posted By: ghs_wreslter189
Date Posted: July 10, 2003 at 11:18 PM
did you look under the rear deck, that's where mine is in my '98 Intrigue
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--Adam
Posted By: esmith69
Date Posted: July 11, 2003 at 10:15 AM
When you say "shut down" does the whole stereo go blank (as if it were unplugged)? Or do you just lose the sound output? Also, you said something about when you have it turned up loud with bass-heavy music makes it die.....when it's at this volume does it sound distorted at all? or does it still put out a clean signal? ------------- Ethan
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"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"
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Posted By: angela27
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 11:26 AM
The whole stereo shuts off, even the clock on the radio doesn't display or keep time. And the sound output is clear. It now seems its to the point that it doesn't even matter what kind of music is being played, if I turn up the volume it just turns off. The only way it stays playing is if you have the volume at a barely audible level. 
Posted By: esmith69
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 11:35 AM
In that case I don't think the problem has anything to do with a factory amplifier. It sounds like there's something wrong with the radio itself, like it's overheating too quickly or something like that. You said it takes a few days before it comes back on....after those few days when it comes back on (or you turn it back on, whichever one) does it still have the correct time displayed and does it keep your presets? Or does it lose all those? ------------- Ethan
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"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"
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Posted By: angela27
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 1:45 PM
We didn't think it was the radio itself either.... until we changed radio's..First we had an aftermarker radio in and the problem started and then we put the stock radio back in and problem continued..The time doesn't stay....but for whatever reason the presets always do.. (on the stock radio). The presets stayed even when the radio was taken out the first time and then put back in (How, I don't know)
Posted By: esmith69
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 4:50 PM
did the presets stay in the aftermarket radio? ------------- Ethan
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"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"
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Posted By: angela27
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 5:36 PM
nope, only in the stock radio. If the aftermarket radio shut off all memory was lost, including the presets
Posted By: esmith69
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 9:06 PM
what happens if the system is working (i.e. you leave it at that barely audible volume), you turn the car off -park it or whatever, then go out to it the next day and turn it on, and immediately turn the volume up to about 40%....does it immediately shut off? Or does it take a few minutes before it will shut off? It sort of sounds like one of the components is drawing too much power and blowing a fuse, but you never had to replace any fuses and you said eventually a few days later it would work. That kind of behavior sounds more like the car has circuit breakers; that would be a first for me though to see a factory installed circuit breaker for the radio's constant power wire. Even then though it doesn't make sense that it takes 2 days to reset.... ------------- Ethan
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"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"
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Posted By: angela27
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 9:16 PM
The whole thing is really odd...Seems like there is no rhyme or reason for when it decides to start working again. If i leave it barely audible it seems to stay on. (But I can't seem to leave my fingers off of it). It usually takes anywhere from a few seconds to min. before it shuts off. But, it shut off on me about 3 days ago and hasn't come back on since. My husband has checked everything he can..and since I can't stand not having music. I'm probably gonna take it to a stereo shop. Although, I was hoping not to.  I know it's hard to diagnose problems just from the information that I give you. But I really do appreciate all the input. Thanks again 
Posted By: esmith69
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 9:39 PM
Yea you're gonna need to have someone with a multimeter check the radio wires for voltage before, during, and after it cuts out. And possibly new +12v constant (fused and run directly to positive battery terminal) and +12v switched (fused and run directly to brown wire in the ignition switch harness) wires will need to be run. If u don't mind if you could let us know if/when you find out what the problem is, just for everyone's future knowledge ------------- Ethan
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"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"
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Posted By: angela27
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 10:18 PM
I'll be sure to let you know when it's figured out 
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