Am i getting the run around? (Radio interference after new head unit)

2011 Tacoma with JBL stereo package. Just upgraded to a Sony XAV-AX100 head unit. Paid a pretty penny for the head unit and the shop to install it with the steering controls and harness to match the stock JBL system in the truck. Well volume level at zero, radio, bluetooth, carplay, anything i get a constant static, fuzz, hum, some type of interference through the speakers. Took it back to the shop and they said that its because the head unit is higher powered than the stock unit. SO that along with the factory amp is causing the interference. Nothing they can do except bypass the factory JBL system or i could upgrade the amp. Anyone know how true this is? Feel like i'm getting the run around on a problem they just dont wanna deal with. Thanks

 

I have a slight buzzing sound as well. I have JL audio all around though, so I don't apply to your exact case. I've just learned to deal with it. How loud is the buzzing?

 

It's not to bad, playing music its almost not noticeable(few songs you will but its far & few between). I only noticed it because i listen to a lot of sports podcasts so when no ones talking you hear it lol

 

Ohhh okay, it may just be the switchover to a newer model head unit. I'm not too audio savvy, so someone else may chime in to give you a definite answer.

 

I think the cause usually ends up being a bad ground. Unfortunately things like that can be a pain to diagnose and fix.

 

Noise problems in car audio are the WORST. Often difficult to track down, however the statement above tells me your shop is either feeding you bullshit or doesn't know what they are talking about. The "power" of a headunit has nothing to do with it's signal to noise ratio.

As far as your problem, I'd start by checking all grounds. I'd also start by checking the shop's work. if they're going to tell you something stupid like that it's very possible they do shoddy work.

 

^^^^^ What jv_74 said. Does the noise get louder as the engine gets higher in rpm's? Usually, any type of radio noise is connected to the ground. The shorter the ground wire the better for reducing the noise, otherwise it acts as an antenna. Also, make sure the ground location is completely stripped to bare metal for the best contact, no paint or coatings should prevent the ground terminals from touching metal. If the noise wasn't there before the upgrade, it's definitely the work that was done.

 

Doesn't the JBL head unit essentially put out line level signals to the factory amp? How did they connect the new radio, did they run line out or speaker level inputs to the factory amp? If they just connected the wires behind the dash like a normal stereo install you would get speaker level inputs to the factory amp, which I imagine would generate all sorts of noise.

 

What harness did you use?

 

I second the notion to investigate grounds for suree. also like @CHAOTIC asked, does it increase with rpms? if so it could be alternator hum, u might want to google the term cuz I don't know details but its a thing haha read something online about it real quick not that long ago

 

I couldn't tell you what harness they used, I didn't ask or see the packaging . Also not sure how they connected it to the JBL system. They quoted me, then called me 30 mins later saying they didnt realize the truck had a JBL system in it and it would be an additional $50 for the component speaker harness.

No, the interference is there constantly, motor off key on its the same as with the truck revv'ed to 4,000 rpm. I did notice that there is an extremely high pitched whine if you adjust the brightness on the head unit to the lowest settings. Something funky going on, cause even the volume levels seem to be to high. "Volume Level 1" is even to high to have a conversation in your truck at night with the truck off(more of an annoyance than faint background noise).

Guess ill have to pull the bezel and head unit and investigate around to check all the grounds. Appreciate all the input!

 

take a pic of the harness. Would like to see it if possible please