Subwoofer amp

[NSXLNT]

I replaced my sub-woofer amp with a new one over the weekend ( OEM ), as the sub and center speaker had not been working. The sub now works, but no apparent sound coming from center speaker. I know the volume on this speaker is low, but I don't hear anything, even with my ear pressed against the speaker
( not while driving

)Any thoughts?

 

[Acuraphile]

Please don't be offended if I say something that assumes you have limited experience in this area.

1. You did hook up the 2-pin rear speaker cable to the amplifier, didn't you?

2. If you did, turn the ignition switch off, remove the cable, and use your multimeter on the Rx1 scale to measure across the red/green and brown/black leads. If you get a reading around the single digits, and not below about 4-5 ohms, then the speaker is probably okay. No zero readings wanted.

3. More importantly, did you hear a popping noise coming from the speaker when you connected the meter leads? If you did, then the speaker is probably good. If no reading, meaning an open circuit, then you have a bad wire, connection, or speaker.

4. If you do get a popping sound, then the amplifier probably has a bad output. If you have a zero (shorted) output, then the amplifier may be blown, as well as having bad wires or a shorted speaker. Replace/repair the speaker problem first, then try using the radio again. Hopefully, the short in the wire or speaker did not hurt the amplifier.

5. The center armrest, rear panels, and center bulkhead panel must be removed to get to the rear speaker.

6. Let us know how it comes out.

Regards,

Bill

 

[NSXLNT]

Thanks, not offended at all. As far as I know, everything has been hooked up as it should be, but I'll certainly double-check the connections. Was hoping not to have to open stuff up to get to the rear speaker. If that's the case, I'll probably leave it alone, as I don't use the stereo all that much-would rather listen to the Tubi

.There are two wiring connectors, 1 blue 1 pink attached to the upper right portion of the metal plate which covers the sub-woofer assembly. Nothing was connected to these when I disassembled-I assumed these had something to do with factory phone option? One other small connector was floating in that area, single conductor attached, appeared to be a ground? Sorry, don't have the electrical schematics to check.

 

[BryanZublin]

Originally posted by Acuraphile:

2. If you did, turn the ignition switch off, remove the cable, and use your multimeter on the Rx1 scale to measure across the red/green and brown/black leads. If you get a reading around the single digits, and not below about 4-5 ohms, then the speaker is probably okay. No zero readings wanted.

(snip)
[/B]

Doesn't the center speaker have a capacitor in series with it (to attenuate low frequencies)? If so, the multimeter will indicate "infinite" resistance if measured at the connector. In this case, measure at the speaker terminals itself (bypass the capacitor).

Bryan Zublin

------------------
Zublin Engineering
http://www.zublin.com

 

[Acuraphile]

Yes, it certainly makes sense to have a capacitor in line with the speaker to block lower frequencies, if they were not so processed in the amplifier. I cannot tell where this capacitor might be just from the circuit diagram. Logically, it would be in the amplifier case, or possibly on the speaker frame, but read on.

In item 3 of my response, above, I said it was more important to hear a popping sound coming from the speaker when you connect the ohmmeter. This still applies in the case of a series capacitor, which will pass the voltage spikes of a meter lead being connected, especially if it is slowly moved across the conector pin. Of course, no scratch or pop noise or a zero or near zero reading on your ohmmeter means a problem in the speaker, wiring, or a speaker-mounted capacitor. Using a different method, after disconnecting the rear speaker, you could connect a test speaker to the amplifier, using whatever alligator clip test leads and pins arrangement is necessary. Turn the radio on, using a low volume level for component safety, even capacitively coupling your test speaker, if so desired. If it works, then you know to look beyond that point, toward the speaker.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Bill

 

[SexyRed]

nsxlnt,
the center speaker does have a capacitor located on the speaker. When I connected my center speaker before the capacitor there was no sound. I then connected the wire after the capacitor there was sound. Additionally, I replaced the foot well sub with an aftermarker 10 inch subwoofer with a homemade enclosure power with a punch 120 amps. The center speaker is a ads tweeter speaker. I sound great now. There is noticeable bass (sub) plus more a surround sound effect from the center speaker. Sucker loud (center speaker). took me a while to put the sub/amp/center speaker together. It sounds great.

I replaced my footwell subwoofer with a new (used) one 1 month ago. And they went bad too. After market is the way to go.

I any one interested in the details of the install as amps location/subwoofer enclosure home fabrication will glad to give info.

 

[NSXLNT]

Thanks for all the advice. I am not in a hurry to take apart the console and rear bulkhead just to repair the center speaker. Probably be my project for next winter.