Noisy Aux Jack

PitCritter · 09-15-2006, 09:31 AM

I just installed the aux jack in my CSX. I use it with my XM Xpress unit. I notice a slight background hum with the aux that isn't there when using the unit's built in FM mod. The sound quality is better with the aux, but I'd love to lose that hum. It does not change with engine revs so does that mean it's not alternator noise? The Xpress is plugged in to the lighter socket, I guess that if I tried powering it some other way that would help troubleshoot it. I could also try my MP3 player and see if the issue is the Aux or the Xpress.

Spins86 · 09-15-2006, 11:01 AM

Check your ground... I noticed when I did the "poor man's" iPod AUX hook-up that if the ground wasn't just right the sound sucked or sounded like it was playing in a cave. Not sure if that's the problem but something to start with... Good luck.

PitCritter · 09-15-2006, 01:25 PM

Do you mean the power ground? I'm using the factory Aux jack plugged into the factory harness.

**ethlar** · 09-15-2006, 03:42 PM

you can try putting a ground loop isolater in line with the xm sound input, that might help.

***fiji06si13*** · 09-15-2006, 10:52 PM

How bout running the ground to a ground junction in the wire harness that already exists in the car. If you make any old ground in the car you can get ground feed back wich in this case is what it sounds like.

This happens when stray voltage travels through the car and up into the ground wire that you have created.

Spins86 · 09-21-2006, 12:30 PM

Hey... Did you resolve this issue? The only reason I said anything about the ground is that as I was hooking my MP3 player to the AUX plugin when the ground wasn't set just right it sounded like the music was very low - even though turned way up and like it was playing in a cave (hollow, distant, one channel). There shouldn't be a problem though if you're using all the factory connectors - I hacked my connection (a DIY on this forum) so there's a difference. I am curious though about the resolution...

RedSIinPA · 09-21-2006, 01:39 PM

possibly wiring problem (not behind the jack, but from the media unit?)

fesersoft · 09-21-2006, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PitCritter

I just installed the aux jack in my CSX. I use it with my XM Xpress unit. I notice a slight background hum with the aux that isn't there when using the unit's built in FM mod. The sound quality is better with the aux, but I'd love to lose that hum. It does not change with engine revs so does that mean it's not alternator noise? The Xpress is plugged in to the lighter socket, I guess that if I tried powering it some other way that would help troubleshoot it. I could also try my MP3 player and see if the issue is the Aux or the Xpress.

Do you get the hum only when you are hitting the gas?

I had this problem with my Sirius unit, but the problem is solved now.

PitCritter · 09-21-2006, 05:25 PM

Problem solved (or at least explained). I found that even when I plugged in the XM unit into an AC adapter run from an extension cord in my garage that I STILL had the sound. When I plugged in my iPod directly to the aux jack...no buzz. The problem is with the XM unit not the aux install. I'll live with it. It still sounds way better than the FM mod and it's really only noticeable at VERY high volumes.

09-15-2006, 09:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
PitCritter Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 42 Posts: 17 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Noisy Aux Jack I just installed the aux jack in my CSX. I use it with my XM Xpress unit. I notice a slight background hum with the aux that isn't there when using the unit's built in FM mod. The sound quality is better with the aux, but I'd love to lose that hum. It does not change with engine revs so does that mean it's not alternator noise? The Xpress is plugged in to the lighter socket, I guess that if I tried powering it some other way that would help troubleshoot it. I could also try my MP3 player and see if the issue is the Aux or the Xpress.

09-15-2006, 03:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
ethlar n00b retro whore Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 10,832 iTrader: 5 / 100%	you can try putting a ground loop isolater in line with the xm sound input, that might help. __________________ 8thCivic FAQ\|NEW Marketplace Rules

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09-15-2006, 11:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
Spins86 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Federal Way, WA Posts: 42 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Check your ground... I noticed when I did the "poor man's" iPod AUX hook-up that if the ground wasn't just right the sound sucked or sounded like it was playing in a cave. Not sure if that's the problem but something to start with... Good luck.

09-15-2006, 01:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
PitCritter Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 42 Posts: 17 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Do you mean the power ground? I'm using the factory Aux jack plugged into the factory harness.

09-21-2006, 12:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
Spins86 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Federal Way, WA Posts: 42 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Hey... Did you resolve this issue? The only reason I said anything about the ground is that as I was hooking my MP3 player to the AUX plugin when the ground wasn't set just right it sounded like the music was very low - even though turned way up and like it was playing in a cave (hollow, distant, one channel). There shouldn't be a problem though if you're using all the factory connectors - I hacked my connection (a DIY on this forum) so there's a difference. I am curious though about the resolution...

09-21-2006, 01:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
RedSIinPA Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,019 iTrader: 0 / 0%	possibly wiring problem (not behind the jack, but from the media unit?)

09-21-2006, 05:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
PitCritter Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 42 Posts: 17 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Problem solved (or at least explained). I found that even when I plugged in the XM unit into an AC adapter run from an extension cord in my garage that I STILL had the sound. When I plugged in my iPod directly to the aux jack...no buzz. The problem is with the XM unit not the aux install. I'll live with it. It still sounds way better than the FM mod and it's really only noticeable at VERY high volumes.