Weird Audio Issue

[MerchantMilan]

I searched, but didn't find anything. I just purchased a 2006 Legacy 2.5i and it has the P-201UN Radio/CD Player. When I play the radio, the audio is just fine. When I put a CD in, audio only comes out of the left side speakers. If I move the balance all the way to the right, it's barely audible.

 

It seems that the wiring for the speakers is fine since the radio works. I'm wondering if there's some kind of cable that could be loose behind the head unit?

 

I'm familiar with the Jazzy AUX-in mod and I'm thinking that whatever ribbon cable that uses may be loose. Any insight before I rip it apart and take a look?

 

Thanks!

[DonnyJagaru]

I had the same unit until I replaced it with a Sony - which works and sounds better in every regard, BTW. I haven't gone inside the factory unit, but I have many others and they all have internal ribbon or coaxial cables that attach the CD transport portion of the deck to the (pre)amplifier portion. This is where your problem is so I guess what I'm saying is that its beyond a configuration or rear wiring issue. I personally would use the opportunity to swap out the factory deck. Did I mention the Sony sounds better?

[MerchantMilan]

Haha yeah...I was definitely thinking aftermarket stereo for sure. That's what I figured the problem was. Thanks for your reply!

 

Which Sony head unit do you have? DIN or Double DIN? I see that Crutchfield has kits for both. Do you have a pic of your setup? Most of what I've seen on the forum, people have Double DINs, but it looks like a lot of people also have the climate controls, so they can't replace the stereo.

[algraysa]

OK, so here's the first question!

 

Have you tried more than listening to the one CD. Perhaps the problem is with the source material?

 

I have done some amazingly complex fixes only to discover that it was something brutally obvious and simple. Kicked myself for days, I did. Hehe.

[algraysa]

If it is something other than that, you will need to remove. I have done it several times.

 

Most importantly, with these units: REMOVE ALL CDS BEFORE UNINSTALLING UNIT.

 

I like to use an empty ice tray, or even a metal baking tray for making cookies to keep the screws/bits/clips I remove, and during the disassembly. As you get to a new section of disassembly, use the next cookie/ice holder. When you reassemble it you go in reverse, and it helps to not overlook that one screw on the inside that holds something important.

 

If you have a digital camera, or a good camera phone - take pics every so often on removal and disassembly, it can help if you get stuck.

 

There are other articles on how to disassemble these units, do a search on that Jazzy interface. Some screws are a bit tricky - and the screws can be REALLY tight. Use a T-handle hex set screwdriver if you can, the interchangeable tips make it easier to find a snug fitting bit for those very tight screws. I battled hugely with the screws holding the mounting bracket to the unit itself.

 

Remember once you have re-assembled the unit, test the CD player before mounting it back in the dash.

 

First time I did it this took me about 1.5 hours.

 

Did I mention you must remove ALL the CDs before you start? Hehe ;-)

 

Good luck

[MerchantMilan]

Thanks for your reply, algraysa. I have tried multiple CDs. Both store bought and burned. Same issue.

 

I have yet to take it apart, as it has been pretty cold here and I don't want to be outside and don't have access to a garage. I have looked at the Jazzy install instructions and I'm confident I'd be able to take this apart/put it back together. I've installed aftermarket head units in just about every car I have owned so far.

 

I'm definitely leaning towards just buying an aftermarket unit though. I like the look of some of the Double DINs that have the touch screen and all that. Just looks cool, plus the dash kit Crutchfield offers looks like it matches the factory silver pretty well.

 

Thanks again.

[DonnyJagaru]

Missed the update on this one. I bought the Sony MEX-BT4100P. I did have to buy the installation kit which c/w a new front-faceplate, antenna adapter and wiring adapter. It made installation pretty straightforward. I can play my USB sticks and use my BT on tablet and Bberry so its all good.

[algraysa]

If you have a workspace/place like a kitchen table indoors, just remove the radio from the car and take it inside. Removal should take less than 10 minutes first time.

 

REMEMBER TO REMOVE ALL CDs BEFORE YOU BEGIN WORK! ;-)

 

You don't mention whether you have the Clarion unit, or the Kenwood.

 

You will know for sure once you have removed it, by the sticker on the casing of the unit.

 

You may find a good interface here for expanding the features of your unit:

http://www.gromaudio.com/store/accessories/wireless-btd.html

 

I have the Kenwood unit, so this looks like a solution for me

[algraysa]

Donny, how much was the faceplate/installation kit? I have seen some scary prices. Hehe.

[DonnyJagaru]

Yeah, I paid 62$USD for the single-DIN Metra kit. There are a couple of "kits" on eBay, but this one I got is the right choice if you want a factory appearance. It was a one-time purchase so I sucked it up and got it. No disappointment.

[MerchantMilan]

Crutchfield has both single and double DIN mounting kits for $15 and $40, respectively. If you buy a head unit from them, they will include the mounting kit, all wiring harnesses and instructions at no additional cost.

 

Single DIN: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120998901/Metra-99-8901-In-dash-Receiver-Kit.html?tp=3121

 

Double DIN: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142SU2025B/Scosche-SU2025B-In-dash-Receiver-Kit.html?tp=3121

[MerchantMilan]

Donny, do you have a picture of your set up? I don't think I've seen any pictures of a single-DIN unit installed in our cars.

[DonnyJagaru]

That looks like a good price on Crutchfield. In fact it looks like the same one I got in my kit. You'll have to add wiring harness and antenna adapter too though. I'll take a picture, I just wish there was an easy way to post it here. I used the "cup" above the stereo to mount my amateur radio and speaker. You can do this without drilling any visible holes, which was my plan all along.

[DonnyJagaru]

Some explanation required here. I'm a ham radio operator and one of my radio control heads is installed in the cubby hole of the single DIN mount. This is a no-holes-bored installation so I've not trashed the new fascia for this. The extension speaker is a little big but until I find something smaller it'll have to do. There's enough room to insert/remove a CD of course. The kit comes with two way to mount the radio. The slide-in style holder wasn't rigid enough to hold the deck in place so I used the old-skool cage with the bendy clips. This sets the head unit back a little so the trim ring is recessed. Its in there good though I assure you. You can see the fit of the aftermarket fascia isn't perfect but its close enough that from the drivers or passengers seat it looks fine.

 

PS: Check out the -9°C, I think that's 16°F.

 

PPS: Also, note how the colour of the display matches the clock/info display? When you turn on the headlights it changes to match the red of the HVAC controls. Very nice as Borat would say.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u159/donnyjaguar/IMG_1147-1.jpghttp://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u159/donnyjaguar/IMG_1146-1.jpghttp://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u159/donnyjaguar/IMG_1144-1.jpghttp://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u159/donnyjaguar/IMG_1145-1.jpg

[MerchantMilan]

Finally got around to replacing the stereo. JVC KD-X200. Sounds great!

 

Donny, I ended up using the rails that came with the kit. I tried to use the sleeve that came with the deck, but it wasn't in there very tight. Plus, I think it looks better when sticking out a little farther. At least the deck I got does.

 

http://i.imgur.com/ngtcoUL.jpg

[DonnyJagaru]

Nice! Yours looks to be a better fit on the bottom.

[MerchantMilan]

Yeah, it came out pretty well. I'm very pleased with how the stock speakers sound with this aftermarket unit. Never really got to push them with the stock FM radio.

[DonnyJagaru]

I've since added a 12" sub in the trunk (not the sandwich). When you set the HPF to 80Hz for the regular speakers they go much louder with the sub filling in the bottom. It goes louder than I'll ever need it to now. I like live recordings and can definitely get the "concert level" thing happening.

[MerchantMilan]

I was thinking about adding a subwoofer in the future, but I'm pretty happy at the moment with the bass I get from the stock speakers. Considering I listen to a lot of hip-hop, that's saying something!

 

That's a good idea, though. Is the high-pass filter a feature built into your deck? It seems the model I got only has a low-pass filter; probably for the subwoofer pre-amps.

 

I used to be into car stereos a lot when I was younger, but it's been about 5-6 years since I've really done any installations or even kept up with the new stuff out there. Did you install the sub in the trunk? Pics? How did you route the wires?

[DonnyJagaru]

There's a LPF for the sub-feed and the HPF for the four corners. You can in essence achieve the same by running the LPF at say 100Hz and bumping the Sub Woofer Level on the deck or on the amplifier (or both), but keeping the EQ as flat on the lowest register. I suppose you could fit four HPF to each of the door speakers but I'm guessing that wouldn't be necessary.