Engine Whine

**LgndKller20073** · 12-20-2008, 11:44 AM

For the life of me I can't figure out how to get rid of the engine whine coming from my rear speakers. I have tried using the noise suppressors that are supposed to isolate ground loops, but still nothing. I don't notice it when it is warm outisde, but when it is cold, it is significantly worse. Could it be that it's a bad RCA cable since it only comes out of my 4 back speakers and not the front? Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks

**bigrondownhiller** · 12-20-2008, 12:02 PM

It could be. Also check to make sure there arent any screws going through the wires. Are the power and rca running on opposite sides of the car?

**bills98ta** · 12-20-2008, 09:40 PM

Might be the alternator going bad ???

**JoshieDoom** · 12-21-2008, 12:02 AM

Relocate your ground IMO

**LgndKller20073** · 12-22-2008, 09:17 AM

i don't think it is the ground because the back 4 speakers are ran off the same RCA cable, but are on 2 different amps and are grounded in 2 different spots.

My power wire and RCA cables are on opposite sides of the car.

**JoshieDoom** · 12-22-2008, 01:02 PM

No, find a new ground for your headunit IMO.

Google it

**LgndKller20073** · 12-22-2008, 10:02 PM

I'm starting to think it's the alternator cause even with the stereo turned off, the alternator whines pretty bad. Think I should go an OEM or get a high ouput alternator? I'm running around 1700 watts RMS right now through my system.

**BowTied** · 12-23-2008, 01:55 AM

I'd lean toward the alternator with it getting worse in the cold. Most everyone notes the engine has more power when it is cold...but the alternator will make more power as well, especially with one that is starting to let go. Things get more resistive when they get old and insulation fatigues. The stator when cold can be a few thousandths smaller as well.

I'd check for noise difference under load...turn on everything and hook some load up to the auxillary/cigarette lighter if you can. (Idle at 12 to 1500 rpm) Compare high load to the lowest load you can place on it. Then if you can use another car (that doesn't have alt whine) and disconnect your alternator and check the system with it jumped to the other car.

(I think the other car is a better check because you are still testing the alternator noise w/ one you know to be normal.) But you can hook up some chargers to allow you test your alternator under a very light load.