Wiring, Stereo & Electronics Audio Components | Radars | Alarms - and things that spark when they shouldn't

RPM dependent buzz in Monsoon system

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 19, 2012 | 10:19 AM
  #1  
zfastss's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 11
Unhappy RPM dependent buzz in Monsoon system

I have a completely untouched stock Monsoon system in my 02 camaro. I was swapping the lights in my 02 camaro monsoon deck with LEDs and before I swapped them out I used my multi-meter to check which side of the lights was + and -. I accidentally slipped and touched the probes together and got a small spark and basically fried the deck (wouldn't turn on, but I could hear the amp click on and off a few times).
I got a replacement 02 monsoon deck and plugged it in and now I have a buzz (similar to a ground loop) that changes pitch with RPM. It happens if the radio/cd is on OR off (but only with the engine running). The rest of the system works perfectly. The buzz noise will only go away if I completely unplug the deck from the harness.
I thought maybe I got a bad head unit with a bad ground so I tried a friends deck and still have the same buzzing.
Do you think I fried the amp back by the spare tire when I briefly shorted the light leads when I was checking polarity? It seems like the noise is coming mostly from the rear hatch speakers. Could I have back fed something into the alternator messing that up? The charging system seems to be working fine (putting out 14+V withe the engine running with my multi-meter), but it is the original alternator with 85k miles on it.
The buzzing seems to get more pronounced with more of a draw on the electrical system (lights on, defroster on, brake lights on, etc...).
I'd like to not band-aid this with a ground-loop isolator if I don't have to.

Thanks for any help.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2012 | 11:57 AM
  #2  
bill12690's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
Default

Mine recently started doing the same, aftermarket deck though. Haven't had time to really look into it
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2012 | 10:01 AM
  #3  
zfastss's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 11
Default

UPDATE: I replaced the headunit and amp with other stock pieces (matching part #'s) and the noise is still there
Any ideas out there?...Battery? Alternator?
Thanks
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2012 | 10:31 AM
  #4  
Guitar's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 3
From: NC
Default

I had this problem in my SS. Not sure what it is. Could install a ground loop isolator and see if that fixes it.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2012 | 12:38 PM
  #5  
omgitsmikeyc's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: DFW, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Guitar
I had this problem in my SS. Not sure what it is. Could install a ground loop isolator and see if that fixes it.
This sounds like it'd be the best option to start with, it sounds like you have a bad ground connection or your amp is having some issues. Also try changing out your fuses for the stereo as it may be failing and getting a loop. Hope it helps.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 06:01 PM
  #6  
zfastss's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 11
Default

I think I fixed it...I loosened and re-tightened my battery cables and the noise has been gone for a couple of days now...fingers crossed. Must have just been a coincidence that this started when my radio lights blew.
I can't believe I didn't try that first
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:56 AM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE