I've had this issue before with an amplifier install where I wasn't able to run the Power/Patch cables along separate sides of the vehicle, but in my Maxima I have the power cable running down the left side of the car and the Patch/remote lead running down the right side. What I am experiencing is a lot of "noise/interference" that is noticeable from the second the HU powers on. I will get a "thud" when the amp gets its turn on signal from the HU, but also the other day I noticed it will make the same noise when turning on the headlights, opening/closing the windows, turning on the defrost, etc. Upon closer listening with the volume turned all the way down it seems to have a hum at all times...I am using the HU wiring harness to retain the stock Bose speakers (the one that has 4 line level inputs), as I remember when installing all of them are pretty much turned all the way up. Could this be the cause of what I am experiencing, or is it possibly a bad ground? I am using quality rockford cabling (4 gauge) for both the power and ground, the ground is currently on a stud that was protruding in the trunk with a nut on it, is this a bad location? Any other ideas?

 

99% a bad ground..... Did you make sure to sand the paint down ?

 

I did, but probably not as well as it should be. I will sand it down thoroughly tomorrow, I just wanted to try and rule out the line levels on the wiring harness. Thanks for the input.

 

99% because that convertor is cranked up. I'd leave the 1% to the ground.

 

Turn the levels down on the converter to 1/2 or less. What headunit is it? Is the hum LOUD, or is it just mild when the volume is all the way down?

 

It's a Pioneer 7700MP, the hum is moderately noticeable with the volume all the way down yes. I've been keeping the volume down the past day to listen and it's doing it for everything, wipers/blinkers, etc. the sound is comparable to an electric guitar being plugged into an amp, not the crackly noise just that initial electrical "thud". I hope turning to half still gives me enough volume.

 

You have the pre-out issue. I am working on a fix for this, that doesn't require grounding the rca's which really isn't a fix. If it is successful, I'm going to offer the service to others.

 

WoW Perhaps you should send your resume to Pioneer. They could really use a wizard like yourself over there, since they couldnt fix the problem for the past 3+ years !

 

Lawl. It was actually done already else where. I'm just using that guide to do it and offer that service to others.

We all know pioneer could give a rats a about the issue and they are fully aware of it. Though if I could fix it, the 880prs would get more and more appealing again.... blah, make me not do it please.

 

And here I thought you were holding back some hidden secret knowledge.

That is the primary reason my support went way down for them. First year -ok, bad run. Second year - this needs to be fixed ! Third year - I hate you ! LoL

 

So this is a documented issue specifically with Pioneer decks? Got any links that describe the issue?

 

Yes, Just do a google search for Pioneer RCAs

 

Well the fix is documented, however I don't know of many people who have done it. It involves opening it up obviously and many people who purchase pioneers are not inclined to doing so. Replacing the pico fuse seems to be a fairly easy job, and replacing it.

 

VERY well documented.

If you're unit is not under warranty any longer and you want me to look at it, let me know, after I do the fix on the gf's 8600 I'll let you know.

 

I was going to say is just the pico fuse replacement fix? I thought there was something new. You makes me sad now.

 

The good thing is, it'll fix the problem and replace the pico fuse with a resistor, the chances of blowing are gone and the noise issues are gone.

 

Wow ya I found a bunch of information on it, damn if I had known about this I would have never purchased the pioneer used...I'm comfortable with taking the unit apart and fixing it myself or even just grounding the RCA's externally for now. Thanks for all the information guys.