Radio Whistling Noise

[Blue260]

I'm the original owner of an 08' w/3LT package.
Just recently an intermittent problem has now become an everyday occurrence concerning my radio.
I have a whining whistling noise coming from my passenger speaker. It increases and decreases in volume as I increase/decrease throttle.
Or, if I rev the engine the whistle will increase with engine rpm.

Any ideas?
Thanks,
chris

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,

I would start with checking the connections at that speaker.

If the noise is ONLY in that front speaker, then it is not so much an antenna issue as possibly a connection or the amplifier within the speaker it self.

And a quick check if you are so inclined, remove the door panels on both doors and swap speaker, plugging the speakers in only, to determine if its the speaker or the system.

If the noise follows the speaker, there is your problem.

Allthebest, c4c5

[Blue260]

Originally Posted by c4c5specialist

Hi there,

I would start with checking the connections at that speaker.

If the noise is ONLY in that front speaker, then it is not so much an antenna issue as possibly a connection or the amplifier within the speaker it self.

And a quick check if you are so inclined, remove the door panels on both doors and swap speaker, plugging the speakers in only, to determine if its the speaker or the system.

If the noise follows the speaker, there is your problem.

Allthebest, c4c5

Well I finally did as you advised but to no avail. If I take the drivers side and attach it to the passenger side the white noise/hissing and/or static is still there.
I thought it might be the amp however, when I turn off the engine the noise goes away. I'm thinking it maybe a grounding issue.
I'm not sure where to look or even have a clue how to proceed.
Any suggestions,
Thanks,
chris

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

Based on the differences in audio systems, I would ask that you PM me your VIN, so I can take a look at the wiring schematics for your particular vehicle.

So, when you swapped the speakers, the noise stayed on the passenger side so that eliminates your speakers as the cause.

Lets see what we can come up with.

Allthebest, c4c5

[Blue260]

PM sent - Thank You, chris

[motorman]

my 08 has noise on AM,sound like ignition noise
but not on XM or FM and i never listen to AM so i never looked into it.

[Blue260]

Originally Posted by motorman

my 08 has noise on AM,sound like ignition noise
but not on XM or FM and i never listen to AM so i never looked into it.

The high pitched static/white noise is across the board - AM/FM/XM/CD player and On-Star coming from the passenger side speaker.

I believe it to be an RFI grounding issue as the noise level increases and decreases with engine rpm.

I guess there's the a possibility the amp is going out, but why does shutting off the engine solve the problem?

If the engine is off, the noise is gone.

However, whats annoying is the problem is intermittent. One day the radio, cd, and on-star, will work without incidence.

The next day it's back again. Today I was about 15 minutes into my commute when the "white noise/static" came on.

I don't have a clue on what to look for or where to begin.

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

The grounding source is common with both the radio, amplifier and 2 front speakers.

That being the case, its G104 and its location is shown below in the diagram, along with the wiring schematic for your particular vehicles U65 speaker system.

My suggestion would be to check this ground source first and see if there are any loose terminals there. Also look for green oxidation on the connections there as well.

See if moving the connection around changes the condition also. #8 is the G104 location in the picture.

If I may also suggest something, you might want to try to disconnect the alternator plug and see if that changes the noise as well. Its possible that the alternator may be causing it.

Let us know how you do.

Allthebest, c4c5

[Blue260]

c4c5,

The connections appear to be very tight, clean, and dry.

I have not tried to disconnect the alternator as of yet.

Should the white noise disappear when I do disconnect the alternator does that mean it requires replacement?

Thanks so much for your help,
chris

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

Normally, if you disconnect the alternator and the noise goes away, a noise filter can be installed to eliminate the noise.

There is a TSB on this type of repair.

Remember, disconnect the plug CONNECTION, not the actual red large cable at the back.

Let us know.

Allthebest, c4c5