New headunit Static

Hi,

I purchased a new double din dvd gps type headunit to replace the japanese system on my new import.

I have wired the unit properly using solder and shrink tube and it works fine except for one issue. The sound going to the rear speakers is very quiet and staticy. It is especially evident at the start of songs where the sound might only come out of the back speakers usually. The stereo is not just balanced to the front. The static is only evident at low volume and does not increase with the volume. It is present if the engine is on or off. It does not whine in time with the engine revs. When I plug in the old unit the rear speaker work fine. I am fairly sure of my install as this isn't my first rodeo, but I will list a few things I did that might be questionable.

I grounded the "handbrake" signal to the metal frame under the dash so DVD can be played whenever. I now see there is an option in the menu to choose whether handbrake lockout is activated or not, so grounding this wire may provide an extra ground that is complicating things?

The 3 wires I had left over (amp cont., key1, key+) I cut and slightly different lengths so they would not contact and heat shrinked then into the bundle of 3.

The car yard fitted a band expander and it is connected by one of those push clip type taps. Because the new stereo has the right fm frequency, I have just left the expander in the dash and plugged the original areil wire into the new stereo.

I have also noticed that the rear speaker volume does not change when the volume is adjusted, the faint music and crackle stays at the same volume.

My thought are that the unit has an issue, but would be happy to accept any ideas on what the issue might be from your own experience.

Cheers.

Just switched the rear speaker wires for the front ones on the harness and now the fronts were crackling while the rear were fine.

I am assuming this points to the headunit being the issue?

Yes, I would go back to who ever you bought it from.

What brand is the unit? Well known or one of these Chinese cheapies?

Chinese cheapy, going back to Hamilton tonight to try another one of their units.

I guess it's my fault for going cheap, but jeeze, waste of so much time. I really hope the replacement one does the trick, because even my money back isn't going to come close to covering the money this thing has cost me.

Yeah sometimes its just better spending more 1st time to save money in the long run! Love the VW too mate

Yep think you may be right there, if things don't work with the replacement unit tonight I will try for an entry level brand name unit.

Thanks for comment about the beetle, sure is a great grocery getter. It's fairly loud and obnoxious but just like a big go-kart to drive. Sometimes less is more :)

Oh I would love one. If I had the money I would snap it up. Exactly what I want. Love the rat look.

There are some pretty sweet deals around at the moment. Mines only listed in case I get desperate. I usually just up the price to keep the interest down, so you can get one much cheaper than that.

Lots of fun having a car you can mess with yourself and get parts for easily.

pre amp is blown to rear speakers

So that's inside the unit right?

Yeah fair enough I did that with my XA. Got pretty much what I asked for it damn it so ended up selling it.

I have always gone Sony and never had an issue

Just got back from the exchange. All went well and the new unit works perfectly. Would trade again A++

Good result :)