Noises from your car stereo? Buzzing stereo is not the only thing you need to worry about. Learn how to fix what is causing a buzzing sound in the car stereo.
Did you recently install a car stereo but can’t enjoy some soothing music with crisp, clear sound due to an irritating, buzzing noise? You’re not alone. Like many home appliances, car stereos are prone to malfunction, and yours is no different. Buzzing car stereos are a widespread problem that is not difficult to fix.
A buzzing sound in the car stereo can turn from annoying to an expensive concern if ignored too long. Perhaps the problem could be deeply rooted than you anticipated. It could be a clear indication that your car’s stereo wiring needs a complete makeover, or perhaps a replacement for the entire system is imminent. Whatever the cause might be, this article will guide you through the steps taken in diagnosing and fixing the buzzing sound in your car stereo.
Why Does My Car Stereo Make A Buzzing Sound
Understanding why car stereos make buzzing noises is the first step to a successful fix. There are several reasons why car stereos make buzzing sounds. Sometimes it may be due to bad wiring connections. Other times, it’s a damaged stereo component. You may notice the buzz when the music plays at top volume or when playing at full bass.
Faulty Connections
One of the most obvious reasons why car stereos make a buzzing sound is a faulty connection. When installing the stereo, you may have plugged in the right cable to the wrong port. You may have also plugged the wrong cable into the wrong port. Faulty connections are minor mistakes, but they may cost you a lot if mistaken for expensive damage.
Damaged Speaker Membranes
A damaged speaker membrane with a hole/tear might be the next culprit. Speaker membranes are delicate structures prone to damage. For instance, if your car stereo develops a tear in the speaker’s membrane after a long time playing very loud music, the buzzing sound will be clearly heard.
Electrical Interference From Nearby Electrical Components
Electrical interference from nearby cables and electrical components could also cause strange noises, although this is a deeper problem that may require expert help. Sounds travel to your stereo system through wires via electrical signals that can be distorted by surrounding electrical signals from nearby wires. Anything capable of producing an electromagnetic field can disrupt the electrical signals and cause a buzzing sound.
Car Stereo Troubleshooting
Familiarizing with the potential causes of buzzing sounds is only the beginning. The second step to a successful fix is tracking the source of the noise and seeking the appropriate solutions. First, you want to check the speakers because that’s where the problem will most likely be. Most car stereos come with a casing that can be removed to inspect the components inside.
Inspect the Head Unit
Once you’re satisfied that the speakers are okay, it could indicate a problem with the head unit. Disconnect the current head unit completely and try a new audio source. Get a different head unit for testing – perhaps from your old head units or borrow one from a friend or relative. If the testing head unit works fine and the buzzing stops, you can be sure that the head unit is the culprit.
Start The Engine and Listen for any Weird Stereo Noises.
Sometimes, the engine may be the culprit for whining and car speakers crackling noises. When strange sounds manifest when the engine is running, it could be an issue with how the car sound system is set up.
A poorly grounded wire connection can be the culprit to car stereo static noise. Car manufacturers will always hook all dashboard connections to one central location. Therefore, you need to ensure that the ground wire is firmly connected to the central location ground.
Fixing The Buzzing Sound and Other Weird Noises
Car stereo noises manifest in 3 primary forms; buzzing speakers, car radio static noises, and crackling sounds. The type of noise you hear will determine the best way to fix it.
There are many ways to fix static noise from car speakers. For instance, static in car speakers can be fixed by establishing a firm ground connection. Another equally viable solution is to install a car stereo noise filter. Noise filters are cheap, affordable devices that help filter out unwanted sounds from your audio. You can install the alternator noise filter between the battery and the alternator to fix the problem. You can also install the noise filter somewhere along the head unit power cable.
So, how do I fix buzzing sound? Start by disconnecting all the cables connected from the head unit to the stereo and reconnect them. If the problem was a faulty connection, turning the stereo off and turning it on again should resolve the issue. Listen keenly for any noises that could indicate further damage. Has the buzz been fully resolved? If not, try this:
Check the speaker cone membrane for any damage.
The speaker cone is probably the most essential part of the speaker. It moves in response to the coil and pushes air back and forth to create sound. When the cone is damaged, torn, or punctured, your car stereo will produce an irritating, buzzing sound.
The speaker cone is probably the most essential part of the speaker. It moves in response to the coil and pushes air back and forth to create sound. When the cone is damaged, torn, or punctured, your car stereo will produce an irritating, buzzing sound.
- Glue
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Coffee filter
Find the damaged area (crack or hole) and apply glue on the top and bottom sides of the cone. Apply as many layers as it takes, depending on the thickness of the material. Next, cut off a piece of the coffee filter and make sure it covers the damaged area. Tear off the edges (instead of cutting) to ensure that the paper bonds with the cone material. It’s also good to apply glue on the edges to keep the paper filter glued to the speaker membrane.
You can also fix the damage with rubber cement. Unscrew the speaker cover (if it has one) and get to the cone. Locate the damaged area – this could be holes, cracks, and tears that could develop due to contact with objects or prolonged exposure to heat.
Also Read: How to Install an Amp Without RCA jacks
If you still can’t find the damaged area, connect the stereo and play some music, adding volume each minute you see a tear. The holes reveal themselves as the music plays louder. Next, disconnect the speaker and clean the damaged area with a clean, damp cloth. Apply the rubber cement and wait for it to dry completely. Lastly, connect the speaker and check if the buzzing sound has been resolved.
Conclusion
Car stereo systems are supposed to produce crisp, clear, high-quality sounds. If you still can’t find what is causing a buzzing sound in the car stereo or fix the problem, perhaps it’s time to call in the pros. However, it would help if you also kept an open mind in case the damage is far too wide to repair without minimizing the costs.
