Monsoon sail not working...
Monsoon sail not working... So when I was installing my wiring for my subs and sub amp last summer, I noticed the driver's side sail panel speaker was missing. Over winter I bought some CDT components and DVC 6.5" subs to replace the existing speakers, and was going to see how it sounded with the stock Monsoon amp before deciding if purchasing an aftermarket amp would be best. I put the 6.5" subs in last night, and realized the driver's side one wasn't working. I checked the voltage on the wires and nothing. This is probably why the speaker was removed in the first place, because it didn't work. The passenger side works fine, and sounds alright. Does this sound like a faulty Monsoon amp? Is it common for the amp to lose a channel like that?
If it is the amp, does anyone know of a decent aftermarket amp that is sized right to fit on the stock Monsoon amp mounting bracket? I know it sounds like an odd question when choosing an amp, but if it delivers enough power I might as well see if I can keep the aesthetics pleasing.
If I do go for an aftermarket amp, I am not looking forward to all the wiring. But if it sounds good, I guess I can't complain.
Thanks for any help.
If it is the amp, does anyone know of a decent aftermarket amp that is sized right to fit on the stock Monsoon amp mounting bracket? I know it sounds like an odd question when choosing an amp, but if it delivers enough power I might as well see if I can keep the aesthetics pleasing.
If I do go for an aftermarket amp, I am not looking forward to all the wiring. But if it sounds good, I guess I can't complain.
Thanks for any help.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Monsoon amps seldom fail but it is possible. However, it would be quite the coincidence that two channels that just happen to go to the same speaker were the only ones to fail. Two possibilities are that there is actually a wiring problem between the amp and the sail panel or that the previous owner did something stupid that killed those channels only (like shorting the wires together, trying to bridge the channels, or running a speaker with too low impedance). I would check the wiring for continuity first before replacing the amp.
I would not try to find an amp that fits the OEM spot for several reasons, not the least of which is trying to adapt the unique speaker layout and the OEM eight channels of wiring to a four or five channel aftermarket amp. Monsoon amps are available fairly cheaply in our parts for sale section or on ebay. Just make sure you get the 98-02 Firebird version and not the Camaro version.
I would not try to find an amp that fits the OEM spot for several reasons, not the least of which is trying to adapt the unique speaker layout and the OEM eight channels of wiring to a four or five channel aftermarket amp. Monsoon amps are available fairly cheaply in our parts for sale section or on ebay. Just make sure you get the 98-02 Firebird version and not the Camaro version.
I will do a continuity test on the wires when I get home today to see how they measure.
I am not looking to use the same wiring as the Monsoon amp, more or less just use the mounting bracket as I like where it is hidden. I know I'll have to run all new wiring, which will probably be as big of a PITA as it sounds. I'll probably end up making an adapter plate to mount the new amp onto the stock bracket, as I doubt the hole patterns will line up. I'm also going to look into designing my own mount for my Viper D1200.1 to place in the spare tire area, as I don't have a spare tire so there is plenty of room there.
When I wire the new amp, I will scrap the hatch speakers and just run wiring to the doors and sail panels. As far as aftermarket amps go, any suggestions? I see class D amps are becoming somewhat common for powering speakers, are they better at not distorting at the higher frequencies? I've been out of loop when it comes to car audio gear for a while now, hence the old Viper D1200.1 used to power my old L5s.
I am not looking to use the same wiring as the Monsoon amp, more or less just use the mounting bracket as I like where it is hidden. I know I'll have to run all new wiring, which will probably be as big of a PITA as it sounds. I'll probably end up making an adapter plate to mount the new amp onto the stock bracket, as I doubt the hole patterns will line up. I'm also going to look into designing my own mount for my Viper D1200.1 to place in the spare tire area, as I don't have a spare tire so there is plenty of room there.
When I wire the new amp, I will scrap the hatch speakers and just run wiring to the doors and sail panels. As far as aftermarket amps go, any suggestions? I see class D amps are becoming somewhat common for powering speakers, are they better at not distorting at the higher frequencies? I've been out of loop when it comes to car audio gear for a while now, hence the old Viper D1200.1 used to power my old L5s.
Well I checked for continuity tonight and everything checked out. Plugged the harness back into the amp and hooked up the speaker again for the hell of it. Works now. Not sure what went wrong the first time, I double checked the wiring to make sure it was correct last time. Oh well, works now, I am happy. Still might replace the setup with an aftermarket amp, we'll see how things go.
