Are your speakers making noise when car is off? In this guide, you will learn different methods on how to make the speakers quiet, allowing you to enjoy quality time listening to high-quality sound from your stereo.
Nothing is annoying than hearing noises from your speakers whether the car is running or not. It disrupts the quality of your stereo, denying you the enjoyment you want from your stereo.
Several factors can cause this problem. The type of noises can be distortion, static, hiss, whine, or other sounds.
Main Reasons Why Your Car Speakers are Making Static Noise
Mainly, the static noise from the speakers is caused by cables with electrical signals. The distortion to the signal is, in most cases, is caused by signals from other electrical devices in close proximity.
You’d be surprised to learn that even power lines around you could be causing this problem. Anything that creates an electrical field will affect the stereo audio making it hard to listen to quality music when the car is off.
How to Fix Speakers Making Noise When Car Is Off?
The best way to deal with any problem is always to identify the source of the problem. For doctors to treat an illness, they must first determine its cause. The same concept applies in this case.
At times this interference could be caused by unshielded antenna cable or wires close to the antenna. In rare cases, the problem could be caused by the stereo itself or its accessories.
To identify the problem, do the following:
- Inspect the patch cables
- Remove the receiver from the dashboard when the stereo is on.
- Disconnect the speaker cables from the amplifiers then switch off your car and listen to the source of the noise
- Inspect the alternator and car battery
- If the sound is coming from the car engine, get a noise filter to deal with the problem
After finding the source of the noise, it’s time to fix it. You will have to insulate all the broken wires and make sure that there isn’t a source of the magnetic field around your car.
Alternatively, consult a mechanic to help fix the problem on your behalf.
Radio Static Noise caused Antenna Noise
Inspect to see if there’s noise on all sources, including the CD, auxiliary, USB, FM, and AM. If the noise is only present on the radio, then the chances are that it’s coming through the antenna lead.
To fix the problem, unplug the antenna. If the static noise disappears, then try installing an antenna noise suppressor. Try this Mpow Ground Loop Noise Isolator for Car Audio/Home Stereo System.
This filter helps break the ground path between your receiver and the antenna, thus preventing noise from distorting your system.
Alternator Whine and Engine Noise
Noise produced through the ground and power wires connected to the receiver is termed as engine or alternator whine. If your engine is the culprit here, you may hear a clicking sound or whining sound.
The pitch often varies with engine speed.
If that’s the case for you, then install an alternator noise filter between the alternator and the battery to help reduce the problem. Additionally, you can also install a noise filter on the receiver’s power to help reduce signal pollution.
In most cases, alternator noise often comes from an intermittent or lose ground connection.
Stereo Noise from a New Amplifier
Your new amplifier could be the source of noise in your stereo system through a bad or poor mounting. Rubber feet or grommets can help isolate the amplifier from the chassis of your car, which is a potential source of the noise.
If everything else fails, then install a noise suppressor.
Speaker Noise from the Electrical System
If you’ve tried all the above fixes and nothing seems to be working and still getting whine, static, or hiss noise, then the problem could be with your vehicle.
You can try to fix the problem by filling the battery with fluid. If that doesn’t fix the problem, I would recommend you to have a mechanic fix the problem for you- inspect the alternator and the battery. (Source)
If you own an old car that hasn’t been tuned, you could be faced with ignition noise. It’s ticking noise that significantly increases as you accelerate.
You will need a fix involving a carbon-core spark plug wires, coil, distributor cap and resistor-type spark plugs.
If the noise problem isn’t fixed, probably the ignition system may not be adequately grounded and is broadcasting noise or other items such as your exhaust system, hood, air cleaner, etc.
The most effective method of fixing Electrical System Noise is through a process known as The Big Three Upgrade.
This is where your car’s chassis ground wires and battery charging wire are augmented by adding large gauge cables to those connect the alternator to your car battery positive pole, the negative pole to the chassis, and then the chassis to the engine block.
This helps create a consistent voltage and better current flow, which in turn improves the system signal to the noise ration.
Final thoughts on Speakers Making Noise When Car is Off
If you hear static noise or your automobile stereo makes noise when the car is off, you could be faced with a magnetic field problem.
Hire a qualified and professional mechanic to check and fix the problem for you.
You can deal with some noises easily on your own without the need for expert help. Read this guide on how to deal with wind noise in the car.