So I've looked at some posts in the forum about the amp. I don't work on cars so I'm not exactly sure where to start. I have a 2001 Maxima SE with the BOSE Sound system and it sounds great... until it doesn't.

One of the biggest issues is the loud electric whine that goes even louder and higher frequency when the engine rpm rises. I understand that is a grounding issue. I've tried looking and I'm not sure where the ground is connected. Is it self grounded with the metal bracket that it is bolted onto in the trunk? If not, where would it be located? Could it be a ground from the headunit causing it? I've been thinking of changing to an aftermarket headunit but with everyone saying its a big hassle due to the bose proprietary impedance on the amp/speakers it sounds like a lot of $$$. I looked at the amp cable connections and the sub and they seem very snug and tight. Never been touched in its lifetime, it seems.

The Amp



Second problem is the loss of bass out of nowhere. Sometimes when its parked, or driven, all the bass is lost and there are only highs and trebles (sometimes even a little lower volume) coming from the front and rear speakers and tweeter. I tried diagnosing the problem and when the bass is lost, I used a rubber wrench to tap on the sub or amp a couple times and the bass returns. Is that most likely a cold solder in the amp? If it is then I'm not sure if repairing the amp myself is a good idea because I'm completely unaware of what to look out for in the sub. I could also just buy an amp on ebay but would much like to fix it myself if its just a simple grounding problem.

Thanks!

 

first thing I would check is any modification the car has done to it. check if the wire harness connector going into the amp has any play. follow that wiring harness also and see if any grounds come off of it.

 

a bluetooth unit and convertors to adapt to the maxima bose is +/- $120 new and Crutchfield can help you over the phone with install. upgrading my headunit was one of the best updates i did on the maxima. i never did any audio work and they helped me over the phone when I got into a snag during the install.

 

You have two separate issues. One is grounding and I cannot help with that.

The other issue is the subwoofer assembly. There is a relay that has poor contacts. There are three ways to fix it.

Easiest, but most expensive - replace the assembly. $80 on ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/154801896623 (I am 99% sure it's the same subwoofer but check to confirm)

cheapest - remove the cover and put in a folder piece of paper between the shield and relay

cheap but technical - replace the relay (requires soldering) https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...01-maxima.html

 

yea i did the relay, very easy with instructions. it was like 12$ and 1 hour of work.