Problem w/ Kenwood Excelon Stereo in 2002 Tahoe

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=8231
Printed Date: September 02, 2025 at 11:27 PM

Topic: Problem w/ Kenwood Excelon Stereo in 2002 Tahoe

Posted By: act1713
Subject: Problem w/ Kenwood Excelon Stereo in 2002 Tahoe
Date Posted: January 16, 2003 at 4:00 PM

I have a 2002 Z71 Tahoe that did not have a Bose stereo system in it. I recently had a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X859 and an amp and sub installed. The amp is only running the sub. The problem is that when I initially start the car, all I hear is bass coming from the sub. I am not hearing any music come out of the panel speakers. I have to shut the car off and restart it for the speakers to come on. Anyone have any ideas? Help!

Replies:

Posted By: brianh
Date Posted: January 16, 2003 at 6:23 PM

You might want to check your ground wire. Dont use the factory ground wire in the harness run it to a good ground somewhere in the dash.The kick panels is also a good spot to ground stuff. Brian

Posted By: act1713
Date Posted: January 17, 2003 at 8:18 AM

Thanks, I'll try that.

Does anyone know if I may have to bypass any factory amps also?

I was also told that the stereo power lead of the Tahoes pulses or surges, which may cause this too. Does anyone know if this is true?

Posted By: auex
Date Posted: January 17, 2003 at 8:06 PM

Do you have onstar?

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Posted By: act1713
Date Posted: January 18, 2003 at 7:27 PM

Yes, I have onstar, but I had it bypassed.

Posted By: auex
Date Posted: January 18, 2003 at 8:18 PM

The vehicles that I have seen with onstar, most have a factory amplifier. If you have an actual center console then pull out the cup holders and see if you have more than about 8 wires. If there are a couple of large black plugs then there is a factory amplifier and these are the wires for it. I would rewire the speakers directly to the deck.

-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

Posted By: act1713
Date Posted: January 19, 2003 at 2:06 PM

Thanks for the tip. I did find out there is a factory amp in my tahoe. Does anyone know where it is located? Is there a wiring diagram that I can use to help me locate and bypass the factory amp?