New head unit - static/white noise issue

[xwake4lifex]

Vehicle: 2004 Toyota 4Runner, SR5, w/out JBL sound

New HU: Jensen CAR710X (from stock)

Speakers: all stock that I'm aware of, previous owner did install 2 small LCD screens in back of headrests, never used

I purchased from Crutchfield and used their ReadyHarness program to have all the wiring completed for me. I installed (and have an extra plug that isn't being used). When the radio is on I hear static/white noise coming from all of the speakers. The sound disappears when I set the volume to "0" or press the mute button on the HU. It does not seem to get louder with an increase in volume. I can hear it when the car is running and I can hear it when the switch is just in the "on" position.

I called Crutchfield and they believe it could be a grounding issue. Told me to cut and re-do the black ground wire. This is where my knowledge really ends. If this is a grounding issue I believe I can fix it - I just need help identifying where and what I'm supposed to cut - and that's difficult over the phone. I attached some photos to hopefully help.

I think it's a grounding issue, but I don't know what and where I need to cut or where to attach my ground to. Any help would be appreciated.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

 

[Ripper238]

Could be a grounding issue. But it may be the head unit and stock amp that is just not that clear. Does it go away with a CD or XM radio? Does it change as you drive? Like alternator whine?

I cant find the signal to noise ratio or distortion level listed for the Jensen CAR710X?

 

[Bl4ck4rm4]

For a ground on the radio, I would do a separate ground from the radio to a chassis or some metal that is attached to the chassis. Extend the wire if need be, use the same gauge. Make sure wherever you attach the ground you clean that area good, metal on metal and tight.

Now before attacking this project, relocating a ground, are you hearing the static through everything, meaning radio, CD, and usb/aux?

Also is there an aftermarket amp involved with your setup? I have seen this with cheap RCA cables and also seen this where you might need a ground loop isolator to cure this.


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[xwake4lifex]

For a ground on the radio, I would do a separate ground from the radio to a chassis or some metal that is attached to the chassis. Extend the wire if need be, use the same gauge. Make sure wherever you attach the ground you clean that area good, metal on metal and tight.

Now before attacking this project, relocating a ground, are you hearing the static through everything, meaning radio, CD, and usb/aux?

Also is there an aftermarket amp involved with your setup? I have seen this with cheap RCA cables and also seen this where you might need a ground loop isolator to cure this.


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I am hearing the noise through BT audio, FM radio. There is no CD slot on this HU.

I don't believe I have an aftermarket amp. The vehicle is stock as far as I can tell. No JBL or anything fancy.

Could be a grounding issue. But it may be the head unit and stock amp that is just not that clear. Does it go away with a CD or XM radio? Does it change as you drive? Like alternator whine?

I cant find the signal to noise ratio or distortion level listed for the Jensen CAR710X?

 

[Ripper238]

I had thought my stock radio was basic with no amps till I found out there was an amp in the back passenger side that was causing all kinds of issues.

 

[Bl4ck4rm4]

I might have to go with Ripper on this one, check to see if you indeed have a factory amp hidden.


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[Syr4RinNC]

I had a similar issue. I pulled it out double checked I had good connection splices with the harness and wiring from the car. Problem resolved after that

 

[maxdef]

I too have had this same constant noise/soft whine that exists the same at any volume above 0. Seeing how other wiring has been handled throughout my truck, I'm inclined to believe it's just bad wiring from when the aftermarket head unit was installed. Somehow I've dealt with it for 2 years but I'm getting closer to a full custom swap, along with sound dampening.

 

[xwake4lifex]

I had thought my stock radio was basic with no amps till I found out there was an amp in the back passenger side that was causing all kinds of issues.

I'll poke around for something, but I'm pretty sure there isn't anything. Not sure where else it could be hidden.

I might have to go with Ripper on this one, check to see if you indeed have a factory amp hidden.

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Like I mentioned above. I'm looking around but haven't found anything.

I had a similar issue. I pulled it out double checked I had good connection splices with the harness and wiring from the car. Problem resolved after that

Crutchfield completed all the crimping on the main pig tail.

I too have had this same constant noise/soft whine that exists the same at any volume above 0. Seeing how other wiring has been handled throughout my truck, I'm inclined to believe it's just bad wiring from when the aftermarket head unit was installed. Somehow I've dealt with it for 2 years but I'm getting closer to a full custom swap, along with sound dampening.

My audio was fine with my stock radio prior to this. I even reinstalled it to make sure. It was fine.

Crutchfield now believes it to be the HU. Sending a new one out tomorrow and will be here Wednesday. I even tried several different ground locations, including directly to the battery negative terminal. Still the odd static/white noise.

 

[Ripper238]

Crutchfield now believes it to be the HU. Sending a new one out tomorrow and will be here Wednesday. I even tried several different ground locations, including directly to the battery negative terminal. Still the odd static/white noise.

To me it sounds like an issue with the head unit since that's where that kind of noise comes from. Especially if you have no amplifiers.

What your describing is the same kind of sound you get when you turn your amplifier up too high, essentially amplifying the static noise from the weakest component.

 

[xwake4lifex]

To me it sounds like an issue with the head unit since that's where that kind of noise comes from. Especially if you have no amplifiers.

What your describing is the same kind of sound you get when you turn your amplifier up too high, essentially amplifying the static noise from the weakest component.

That's what I'm hoping for. I did all the trouble shooting they recommended. Once that was exhausted they seem to think the HU is at fault. After some discussions with others involved with audio A/V it sounds like Jensen isn't know for being a great brand anyway apparently. If the new HU is still messed up, I might tell Crutchfield I'd prefer to change to a Sony, JVC, or Kenwood.

 

[Ripper238]

That's what I'm hoping for. I did all the trouble shooting they recommended. Once that was exhausted they seem to think the HU is at fault. After some discussions with others involved with audio A/V it sounds like Jensen isn't know for being a great brand anyway apparently. If the new HU is still messed up, I might tell Crutchfield I'd prefer to change to a Sony, JVC, or Kenwood.

From what I was able to look at they don't have the lowest distortion rates and db's aren't like the others. Hopefully replacing the HU fixes the issue. Alpine is another good one to consider if this does not fix the issue.

Love my Kenwood with Maestro datalink.