Lightning strikes

[jdkilroy]

A few days ago a squall line was passing through and I was about to run out into the driveway to close all the open windows in my rig. Just as I was heading out the door, a blast of lightning flashed some where right above the driveway area.

I managed to get into the truck and closed all the windows and hung out for a bit to let the worst of it pass.

Next morning, starts right up but the aftermarket navi-head unit is fried. I just get a splash screen for way too long and then it goes blank and the cycle starts over.

I tried doing the soft reset procedure for the HU and when that did nothing, I disconnected the battery for about 30 ~ 40 minutes. Still nothing.

Called my insurance co and they said it might be covered under comprehensive but that I would need to take it to a authorized repair facility and they would need to verify that the HU was damaged due to lightning ... ?

In the end, I called the folks I bought it from (Crutchfield) and explained the situation. I was over the normal 60 day return window but they are sending me a new replacement unit and a return ticket for the old one.

The only thing I can imagine is that with all the windows open, the computer that drives the HU was zapped by the static charge. Interestingly, none of the vehicle's electronics seem to have been affected.

Anyone else have troubles after close lightning strikes/storms.

I should really say: Kudos to Crutchfield for standing by their customers.

 

[eli_lilly]

I had a TCU on a Jeep XJ fried by a nearby lightning strike.

-E

 

[KidVermicious]

That's awesome that Crutchfield is hooking you up. Props to them.

 

[DC runner]

Aftermarket HU's are no where near as shielded as stock components. Plus, your car's ECU is buried deep, hidden behind multiple layers of electrical protection to prevent this.

You explanation is totally on. A car shouldn't even make a target for the strike as the tires act as barrier and the lightning goes for the easiest path down.

My guess is that there was some serious static build up, like you said, that managed to pop the HU's circuit.

Anyway. Way to go Crutch field.

 

[MikeInNH]

I've dealt with Crutchfield for years. They are great. Good prices..and when you add in free mounting and free connectors...their prices are even better.

 

[aha2988]

I just had a lightning strike hit our cable line that comes from the main cable box into the house. The charge or surge whatever you want to call it, came into the house through the tv's cable box through the HDMI cable into my stereo receiver. Fried the stereo. The breakers to the range, dishwasher, washing machine, and dinning room lights were thrown. It fried a random lamp in my bedroom (kinda weird it wasn't on.) Fried the HVAC compressor, and my washing machine is acting weird it shuts off randomly.

The HVAC is about 15 years old so insurance won't touch that "well the compressor is old enough anyway we'll call that old age" is what I hear them saying. and between the washing machine and stereo receiver I'm just barely over my deductible. I used to like lightning, I hate it very strongly now.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Aftermarket HU's are no where near as shielded as stock components. Plus, your car's ECU is buried deep, hidden behind multiple layers of electrical protection to prevent this.

You explanation is totally on. A car shouldn't even make a target for the strike as the tires act as barrier and the lightning goes for the easiest path down.

My guess is that there was some serious static build up, like you said, that managed to pop the HU's circuit.

Anyway. Way to go Crutch field.

I was justa bout to say the same thing, I don't believe the aftermarket units have as extensive a shielding as the stock units and/or when they are installed not many people ground them for that type of exposure (an assumption on my part, but I would venture to guess in some way accurate.)

Glad Crutchfield is taking care of it, I will be going through them most likely when I get around to going for a new HU.

 

[jdkilroy]

As a follow up, I run a good, heavy gauge copper grounding strap from HU chassis to car metal with installation now. Added protection and as a bonus, less background noise in the system overall.

 

[Acidmeld]

Last month I had a strike hit my satellite dish. Took out my router, cable box, and the hdmi port on my tv.

 

[Dark Lord]

Go Crutchfield! I've never ordered from them in the past, but I've heard nothing but good things. I guess at some point I will be a customer of theirs when the time comes.

 

[preacher35]

Man, Crutchfield is the best! Granted, you can find components elsewhere for less, but you will never get the customer care that Crutchfield provides. Glad to hear that they took care of your unfortunate situation.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

As a follow up, I run a good, heavy gauge copper grounding strap from HU chassis to car metal with installation now. Added protection and as a bonus, less background noise in the system overall.

What do you connect to on the HU?

 

[jdkilroy]

What do you connect to on the HU?

To the HU chassis itself.

 

[lehiguy]

My home got hit a few years back (or something near the house). I nearly crapped myself form the thunder clap. All the smoke detectors started blaring, the power supply in the PC was making an arching sound combined with the aroma of burning electronics (we pulled that out into the open to let it cool off) my sprinkler timer was toast, my DVD player no longer worked with the HDMI output and worst of all, my hot tub controller's main board got fried and would no longer actuate the heater circuit. Great stuff, that lightning. I am grateful that the intensity of the storm caused us to call all the kids into the house just minutes before this. Otherwise it could have been fatal.