factory subwoofer cutting out! need help!

[BostonBoy]

hello all,

currently have a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser with factory single cd/radio and have installed the factory subwoofer available from chrysler.

for some reason, i am getting a problem with the unit causing the radio and sub sound to cut out for a fraction of a second whenever there is a draw on the battery. if i have the wipers on, each time they start up i lose sound for a second. same when i hit the brakes (brakelight), power windows , etc.

i have rechecked all grounds. tried wiring the power to the amp away from the radio (instructions call for it to be powered off the cigar lighter located on the console). have removed grounds, and reinstalled.

the problem occurs after the sub and radio have been on for a few minutes, or when the unit is really cranked up.

i have disconnected the power and ground to the sub and the problem still occurs, which leads me to believe it must be the harness connection somehow, or a grounding condition.

currently there are two wiring harnesses that plug into the back of the factory cd/radio, with a separate power feed and ground attached to the radio back.

the amplifier/sub power off a relay attached to the harness. perhaps a ground at the relay? (unit seems to work whether it is grounded or not, possibly because the radio is grounded separately?)

if anyone can suggest other things for me to check, it would be most appreciated.

the factory sub is the 80watt model, not the 2001 50 watt model, so a standard metra harness is used to tap into the right and left rear speaker feeds. i generated a wiring harness drawing indicating how it all is put together, incase someone could look at that and say "bingo!-that's what is wrong!)

thank you in advance.

dave

[fritz_t_coyote]

Best bet for subwoofer power is to draw directly from the Battery.

Run the heavy gauge wire thru the firewall (you can coax it thru an existing grommet) and connect it to the + side of the battery.

IMPORTANT: Real Close to the battery have an inline fuse (20 amps or better).

[BostonBoy]

i am desperate as this is SO frustrating! the sub makes a HUGE difference in the overall sound in the car, even after upgrading the front and rear speakers (Polk Audio).

i wil rewire the amp and see if it makes a difference! any other things to try if this doesn't work will still be appreciated!

dave in boston

[bobs turbo pt]

s straight lead to the battery with a fuse able link should do it the trick keep us posted

[patriot_blue]

Hi
I am having the EXACT same problems....I have 2001 PT cruiser, standard radio, same subwoofer.....I have already tried the direct connection to the battery without success...the problem still exists.....there is no problem when the sub is disconnected....One suggestion is that the problem is an audio cutout rather than a power cutout....does anyone have the correct wiring details for the 2001 model?

[BostonBoy]

Wiring run directly to the battery, and still sound is cutting out.

Tested wires at the sub. 12v (more or less) at the sub with about 5 1/2v at each of the four rear speaker wires. Sub is grounded. If I disconnect the harness at the sub, cuting out stops. Could it be the sub itself?

Dave in boston

[patriot_blue]

Hi Dave

This is how mine is setup

http://home.iprimus.com.au/kjclayton/Sub/

I guess yours is the same.....I still have not sorted it out...

I have emailed Chrysler in Aust for info to see if I can get the wiring for the amp/sub...

I can't email the Chrysler USA their site directs me back to Aust...maybe you could ask at your end......I'm gettin soooooo frustrated

[BostonBoy]

anyone else have any suggestions?!!!!

power and inline filter direct from the battery have not helped...