Topic: Bose Amplifier Mystery
in Forum: C4 Electrical
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Huron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
I have a Bose amp mystery and will appreciate any insight or ideas
A little past history....
1989 Corvette
Factory Bose stereo system
About 2 years ago, the left rear speaker started hissing and I replaced it with a Amp/Speaker combo from Mid America for around $140
Then last summer, each of the other 3 speakers started hissing (probably about a month apart for each)
Over the winter, I found someone on eBay who sells replacement amps for $70 each. I talked to them on the phone several times and their seller history is excellent. So I went ahead and bought 3 amps (no speakers)
So, with the warmer weather, I went about installing the new amps and got the right rear done Wednesday night. After hooking it up, the stereo played but I couldn't get a clear signal except for a local FM station. It was nice out on Thursday and I got to run some errands. Radio played but I still couldn't pick up any clear stations.
Nice out again Friday and I had 2 customer calls to make. On the way home a fuse blew knocking out the radio, climate control and courtesy lights. I took it apart tonight and double checked the wiring and the amp enclosure to make sure nothing came loose or went goofy. Everything looks good visually, but when I hook the speaker back up, the fuse blows again. Next step, I tried another amp and now I'm back to everything working, except I can't get a clear radio station.
I'm going to call the store I bought this from on Monday but am fearfull they won't be able to help much. They were positive their amp was compatible with the 89 Bose stereo system.
The store can be viewed at http://stores.ebay.com/Thepartsladi in case anyone's curious
I just can't figure out how an amp could affect radio signal quality and after a few hours of use, blow a fuse. To make it even more confusing, the fuse that pops isn't the radio fuse, it's the courtesy/clock fuse!
Has anyone heard of this ? Or have any ideas ? Any input is much appreciated
Thanks, Dave
ps - the speaker in question is currently disconnected so I don't make things worse
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The coutesy/clock fuse powers the amplifier relay...which in turn powers each individual amp for the 4 speakers---to me it sounds like the one replacement amp is bad/shorted since it's popping the fuse.
As far as the radio not picking up stations clearly ...sounds like a antenna issue OR cable from antenna to the radio (don't know how that might be related to the amps being replaced)
The only way I've ever tested/checked a antenna or cable.... is to plug another one in and try it .
If the radio will play cassettes with good sound quality....I'd suspect a antenna problem.
Vaughn
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Huron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
Thanks Vaughn
To rule out a faulty new amp, I disconnected it and the radio signal comes in clear. As soon as I plug it back it, the signal goes bad. So I ruled out an antenna problem
The circuitry on the new replacement amps looks very different than the original (much more up to date components). I'm wondering if mixing new and old amps together is causing the problem. I don't think they have any cross over connectivity to each other, but don't know that for certain. I'm trying to think of all possibilities.
[QUOTE=redvette89]
[/QUOTE] Two things the amps have in common are the power source via the amp relay and the amps and radio use one "common" ground...the sound signal out of the radio are individual out puts to each amp/speaker unit. I just looked at the diagram again and the curtesy/clock fuse feeds both the amp relay and the" memory" for the radio itself.
Thanks Vaughn
To rule out a faulty new amp, I disconnected it and the radio signal comes in clear. As soon as I plug it back it, the signal goes bad. So I ruled out an antenna problem
The circuitry on the new replacement amps looks very different than the original (much more up to date components). I'm wondering if mixing new and old amps together is causing the problem. I don't think they have any cross over connectivity to each other, but don't know that for certain. I'm trying to think of all possibilities.
Sounds to me like the amp is bad...or not compatible with a '89....or not wired correctly( when you contact them be sure the correct wiring instructions were sent for your '89)---I went to the site and looked at the amp--is it possible to plug the connector in backwards at the amp circuit board ?? I'm not there so I'm not even sure it's a removable connector..so i'm just asking.
I've had good luck personally dealing with "thepartsladi" but I've never had to contact them other then via email---I've heard some complaints from people trying to contact them by phone. Anyway good luck and keep us posted on what the out come is.
Vaughn
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Huron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
Wow Vaughn, you're good at this stuff ! I really appreciate your inputs
Since I purchased 3 amps from the "thepartsladi" I went ahead and tried out a 2nd one last night and got the same results.
The original wiring is soldered to the amp. The new amps use a plug harness and came with adapters and good instructions. The wiring diagram/color codes matched exactly and I am pretty sure everything is correctly wired
It'll be an interesting conversation with them tomorrow. Will let you know what they say
Thanks again, Dave
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Pickens, SC - USA
Joined: 7/21/2009
Posts: 25
Vette(s): 1989 Red,convertible,sold an 78 Black coupeSilver Anniversary after 3 years.
Dave, I have a 1989 (red) conv that's doing the EXCACT SAME THING! I ordered $500 worth of replacement aftermarket stuff from Crutchfield. Went to install it today and the stock system was working perfect again. (after replacing the fuse) I too, checked all connections and replaced my right/rear that was emmitting a LOUD 60 cycle hum, the instant the power was turned on, with a unit (used) from E-bay. All was well for a couple of weeks before winter and then THIS happened. I'll be following your results closely! Joe A.
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Huron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
I haven't received a decision from 'thepartsladi' yet and hope to hear back from them in the next day or 2. I'm also thinking about yanking the whole Bose system and installing a new one. Will let you know if I get any worthwhile info on this problem
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Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 611
Vette(s): Black 1979 L-82
Black 1996 LT1
Black 1999 Coupe
I like the looks of stock...guess I am not into stereos in any of the cars, but my truck has the sounds.
If they would have a good upgrade in the stock trim; I would go for that.
Jim
If they would have a good upgrade in the stock trim; I would go for that.
Jim
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Huron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
Well, "thepartsladi" isn't helping out with an exchange, fix, or refund. Now I need to decide if I want to buy more amplifiers from a known source like Corvette Central, Mid America, Ecklers, or replace the whole system. The cost either way will probably balance out if I can sell the old radio and the one good amp/speaker combo I bought a year ago from Mid America (there's no way I'd resell the amps from thepartsladi). I really like the idea of having new technology for the radio not to mention a CD/MP3 player. On the other hand, I have kept my car 100% original and have mixed feelings about the appearance a new style radio has in this dash. I've looked at lots of pics and they look decent, but it's obvious at first glance it's a replacement unit....... hmmmm. what to do what to do
in Forum: C4 Electrical
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