99 Suburban Radio Intermittently Goes Out

[jsieber]

I have been recently experiencing the Radio Sound going out intermittently and then coming back on sometime later.

 

Someone mentioned there may be some cold solder joints that may cause this. If someone knows, please let me know where the ones that causes this condition.

 

Pics are attached and appreciate you assistance.

[jsieber]

In addition to my above post, I finally found the Amplifier that may be helpful to others tracking down the same Radio problems... which could be the culprit of the Sound going out.

 

It is located just to the Right of the Steering Wheel under the Dash. Here is some pictures and Part # of the Amplifier:

 

After taking out the Amplifier, I found a Speaker Relay attached to its body,

Part# 12065125 or Now the 13502676 or Delco D1703A, which could also be the cause of this problem.

 

 

[jsieber]

Update....

After taking out the Radio/Amp & cleaning them up inside and out, it still did the same thing. Then by accident, while the sound went out, I shut the back door and it came back on.

 

Eureka! It must be a speaker wire connection. I took out the rear speakers and made sure all connections were tight and have not had the situation happen since.

 

Hopefully this will help those with similar problems and save you some $$. Check those speaker connections.

[bill190]

Do you have front and rear speakers? Were just the rear speakers going out?

 

I was going to say I would suspect power to that amplifier or the amplifier itself if all speakers were going out and the speakers connect directly to this amplifier and power remained on with the dash radio.

 

If you have the problem again, might be able to find an amp at a wrecking yard and try replacing that.

 

If the speakers were replaced in the past and the wires were just "twisted together" rather than using proper crimp connectors, then these connections will fail over time.

 

Also you could get a factory wiring diagram and see what that "speaker relay" is for. If the relay cuts off the speakers for a chime or whatever, then slamming the door might have also "giggled" the relay. The relay could have dirty contacts. If this is the problem, I would get a new relay from the dealer.

[jsieber]

Bill,

Thanks for your response. I have front and rear speakers and when the sound would go out, it would go out on ALL speakers. The speakers I believe are OEM.

 

You may be correct about the amplifier/relay and if it happens again, I will let you know and appreciate your assistance.

[mattjulien]

WTF there is an stock amp separate of the HU???

[bill190]

WTF there is an stock amp separate of the HU???

 

No telling what they will do! I don't think any auto manufacturer likes to do anything the same way twice!

[jsieber]

Just wanted to give a follow-up in case others may have the same problems.

 

Well after I Removed the rear speakers and made the connections are tight and I did replace the Radio with ReplacementRadios.Com, I have NO other Sound outages. Even though I may have not needed to but was worth it since a few of the Channel light buttons were out anyway.

 

If anyone has these problems, I would check the Speaker Wires/Connections first since just ONE loose connection will cause ALL the Sound to go Out.

 

Hope this helps and we'll pray for GM's recovery.

[jsieber]

I have been recently experiencing the Radio Sound going out intermittently and then coming back on sometime later.

 

Someone mentioned there may be some cold solder joints that may cause this.

 

In case someone else runs across this problem, here is the cause.

 

Just ONE of the Rear Speakers had a Cold Solder Joint at the Copper Wires to the Cone. Resoldered them and has fixed the problem.

 

Also, the 4 Screws holding the Speaker in are 7MM socket which I had to thin out the Socket wall by grinding it down so it will fit in those tight spots.

 

Hope this helps.

[johnralston]

This was very informative.

Did we ever find out the specs on the factory amp? I looked everywhere but could not find any info on it.

I just replaced the stock radio on my 99 suburban after years of issues with it.

I used the conversion harness and luckily everything worked out.

I have not used any performance of brand name speakers/HU but the whole system is 300 times better than what i had.

I installed 4 6.5 speakers, one for each door. Also replaced the 4x10 in the cargo area with double 4".

 

Everything is clear and loud, however, i have no bass whatsoever. I was wondering if the factory amp would handle these subwoofers.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pyramid-PW877X-Power-Series-Subwoofer/21618929

thanks in advance.