Navigator Speakers Cut Out
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=55346
Printed Date: May 12, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Topic: Navigator Speakers Cut Out
Posted By: tommy1170
Subject: Navigator Speakers Cut Out
Date Posted: May 08, 2005 at 1:04 PM
I pray someone can help me with this! I installed an MTX amp and sub in my 2005 Lincoln Navigator. The factory stereo does not have RCA outs, so I used speaker-level input into the amp. When I turn on the car, the amp does not turn on, and the factory speakers don't work - but the factory sub does!? If I unplug the speaker level input from the amp (with the car still running), the factory speakers turn on! Then...if I plug the speaker inputs back into the amp, all speakers work, including the amp and the sub! Everything works perfect. So here's the catch, when I turn the car off, then back on again, the same problem happens all over again! I need to unplug the speaker inputs to the amp, and voila', the factory speakers turn back on, then I need to re-plug in the amp again. Has this every happened to anyone else? What is causing this - and more importantly - how do I fix it? Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks - Tom ------------- TDM
Replies:
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: May 08, 2005 at 1:29 PM
Sounds like the input impedence on the amplifier speaker level inputs is too low and is causing the amplifier in the OEM stereo to think there is a speaker shorted out. The head unit amp is shutting down. Try adding a good quality line-output converter insted of using the speaker level inputs on the amp. Also, if there is a factory sub why not use the signal there for the additional sub? I also suggest you may want to disconnect the factory sub. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: tommy1170
Date Posted: May 08, 2005 at 2:13 PM
Thank you DYohn for the help. Any thoughts on why it works once it is unplugged then plugged back in? Also, what is a line-output converter, what does it do, and how does it work? Lastly, where can I buy one? Sorry for all the questions but I really appreciate your help! Thanks - Tom
-------------
TDM
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: May 08, 2005 at 4:03 PM
A line output converter , like this one. Or something similar. I am guessing that the reason it works after it's started with the amp disconnected may have to do with the startup load in the amp. Does your Lincoln have the THX/Nav system? ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: tommy1170
Date Posted: May 08, 2005 at 7:44 PM
I don't know why, but for some reason I listed my truck as a 2005 - its not - its a 2000. It does not have the THX/Nav system. I tried splicing the input wires from the factory amp to my MTX amp, using the RCA inputs, but the input level was way too low. As a last resort, I tried taking the speaker wires from the factory sub amp and connecting them to my MTX sub enclosure and that worked the best. Problem is, I can't figure out which wire is positive, and which is negative, and I don't want to blow the sub up by running it in reverse. I'm mega-disapointed that I can't seem to get my MTX amp to work. Its 450 watts and it thumps when its working right. I would throw out the factory head unit and get a good aftermarket unit, but the factory unit has steering wheel controls and a 6-disk CD changer, all of which are integrated. At a minimum, I'd be happy for now if I could figure out which of the factory amp speaker wires is positive, and which is negative. Thanks for all of your help - it is much appreciated... Tom
Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: May 09, 2005 at 9:12 AM
tommy1170 wrote:
At a minimum, I'd be happy for now if I could figure out which of the factory amp speaker wires is positive, and which is negative.
See my answer to this in https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=55388&PN=1 ------------- Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
Posted By: tommy1170
Date Posted: May 09, 2005 at 7:32 PM
DYohn- I ordered the LOC you recommended from Crutchfield. I should have it tomorrow and I am going to see if I can get it to work. Now, the last thing I will need to do to solve the puzzle is to figure out where I can find an accessory 12v wire to power the amp's remote on. Of course, the factory HU does not have a remote out, so that's going to be a challenge as well. Thanks for all of your help and I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow... ------------- TDM
Posted By: jstruckman
Date Posted: May 10, 2005 at 2:51 PM
If you have a factory subwoofer then there is an amp and it does have an amp turn on coming of the radio. There should be an 8 pin connector on the radio that has the subwoofer audio signal and the amp turn on. Pin 4 is the amp turn on, but it is only a 5 volt turn on. A relay may work to get a 12 volt turn on. When we add amps to those vehicles we use the TRIGLOHD from Soundgate to get a 12 volt turn on from the factory amp turn on lead.
Jazzy
-------------
Posted By: tommy1170
Date Posted: May 10, 2005 at 8:34 PM
jstruckman - that is EXACTLY what I needed! Thank you. The LOC worked like a charm - even had output levels to balance the output of the sub vs. the factory speakers. All I need to do now is to hook up the TRIGHOHD and I will be good to go! Thanks everyone - this has been fantastic! ------------- TDM
Posted By: sexyvic1
Date Posted: May 11, 2005 at 1:01 PM
hello, i am in the middle of installing a amp and subs in a 2005 navigator. the guy is keeping the stock radio. if any one can help, asap it would be great it is 2pm eastern time now.
i can't seem to find any wire to tap in for a remote turn-on. can u help me please.
list a few different options, also if u are familiar with the truck please let me know where the easiest place to take it is from. thank buddy, i owe u. p.s. it has the THX / NAVI system if u know what color wire is pos and neg, at the factory amp that would help alot too. there are 4 wires : PURPLE , GREEN , BLACK with a Green tracer , and BLACK with a white tracer. and after the harnes and b 4 it gets to the sub they turn black, red, white and blue. the reason i am asking is because i am wiring a line out converter from there.
-------------
|