stereo snaps crackles and pops
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=24657
Printed Date: May 04, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Topic: stereo snaps crackles and pops
Posted By: walty220
Subject: stereo snaps crackles and pops
Date Posted: January 15, 2004 at 8:14 PM
ive gotta 83 cutlass hurst/olds, when the accy is on, the stereo sounds great, when the engines on.. my stereo snaps crackles and pops. ive tried inline bass filters, inline sound supressors, new grounds new speaker wires,i have no idea wat it is. any ideas??
Replies:
Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: January 15, 2004 at 8:57 PM
You did not mention when the problem started, or if you made any changes, so here are some guidelines. You said you tried new grounds- did you check for reference back to the negative battery post? Did you ensure your antenna is properly grounded? It should be tight, and clean, free of rust/corrosion. Check all your chassis ground connections. Your stereo wiring must be as far away from factory wiring as possible. Use an analog voltmeter and test your alternator output at the battery posts. It will fluctuate, but shouldn't move more than maybe 2 or 3 tenths of a volt at idle. If the needle's all over the place, this is likely your cause. You didn't mention whether or not you have an upgraded ignition system or not. This can definitely cause a problem. Ensure your hood is grounded properly with a ground strap that is tight and clean, again, no rust. Also, you may need a custom steel box to cover your ignition components and tie to ground.
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: January 15, 2004 at 9:19 PM
I agree with geepherder's statements, especially the last paragraph. In older cars, I've often found noise related to engine operation to be from the ignition system, or from bad (or inadequate) spark plug wires, and not from the stereo installation at all. In these cases, there is not much that can be done except to ugrade the components causing the problem. Sometimes new plug wires or distributor cap is the ticket.
Posted By: walty220
Date Posted: January 17, 2004 at 12:04 AM
just put in a brand new alternator,its done it since the day we pulled out of the electronics place that installed it. there was a new ignition installed in the car by the previous owner, how could this possibly be affecting it?? ill try the antenna and i might try and reground the engine strap, looks like its been painted over. also im going to replace my radio capacitor, it only does it once and a while,so it could even be the capaictor goin bad?
Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: January 17, 2004 at 10:16 PM
If the problem started with the replacement alternator, then this is likely your problem. Get a cheapo volt-ohm meter from RadioShack or some place similar, and test for fluctuating voltage. It's likely the capacitors in the alternator aren't up to par. High performance ignition systems have a stronger electromagnetic field than do stock systems, which makes them more prone to cause noise.
Posted By: richs
Date Posted: January 18, 2004 at 3:21 PM
Snaps, pops and crackles are typically ignition noises. Have the spark plug wires ever been replaced? If so, are they the radio suppression type? If they haven't been replaced, it may be a good idea. Also, most GM's also came (and are supposed to be equipped with) resistor spark plugs. Check your plugs to make sure they are resistor type (normally have an "R" in the part number). Alternator noise is usually a higher pitched whine that varies in frequency with engine RPM's. It sounds as if you have an ignition related problem.
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Best Regards,
Rich
Posted By: superstreet786
Date Posted: March 14, 2004 at 9:20 PM
probably a ground problem
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---- 1996 Chevy S10 ----
1 Lightning Audio S2.600.2 Amp
2 Lightning Audio 12" Subs
1 Lightning Audio 1 Farad Cap
Posted By: Ravendarat
Date Posted: March 15, 2004 at 11:45 AM
I am going to go with spark plugs on this one. The symptoms are classic signs of either a hole in the wire or just old improperly shielded wires
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