Popping noise in Bose speakers while driving

jonjensen2

Member
Location
Tustin, CA
Hello all. I did a search for this type of issue but have not found anything. Here is my issue:

I have a 2005 Infiniti FX35 AWD with 82,xxx miles. It has the factory Bose stereo system with stereo/CD changer/cassette. My wife and I purchased the car at 61,000 miles and are in love with it. While there are a few minor issues, there is one that completely stumps me. Ever since purchasing the car, there has been a spiratic popping sound (like static discharge) coming from a speaker every so often. It comes through one speaker at a time, has occurred in every speaker including the subwoofers, occurs while the stereo is either on, off, or playing any of the media types including the radio, and cannot be duplicated. The car is completely stock and has never been altered that I can see or otherwise. I have removed the amplifier from the vehicle and ensured proper continuity for the ground circuits and grounding of the amplifier frame. I have removed the head unit and ensured proper ground continuity from the head unit to the amplifier and no shorts between the amplifier and the head unit. I have removed, cleaned, applied electrical grease, and replaced all of the grounds in the engine bay. I have done a tune-up with factory NGK spark plugs and lubricated the spark plug coil boots with electrical grease.

Each time I go hunting for this issue and I disconnect the amplifier, the sound does not occur for the first day, and then begins to occur once more. To me, it sounds like a capacitor or transistor in the amplifier letting go of its charge, but I cannot prove this and I am not an electrical engineer capable of diagnosing circuit boards and components.

I should say that I went through school to receive my bachelor's degree in automotive service and graduated in 2007. From there, I worked for 3 different dealerships specializing in electrical diagnostics and engine diagnosis before being laid off and starting my own side-business while going back to college for a better paying job. I have received my ASE certifications in all 8 areas and received my L1 certification in advanced drivability diagnostics. So, I am no slum or dumbie when it comes to electrical issues. I am not looking for guesses, I am looking for recommendations with solid reasoning behind them, or personal experience with resolutions. Thank you in advance.

I am hoping that someone out there can point me in the right direction here or share an experience with this issue. I would appreciate any help. Thank you again!
 
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Colorful explanation. Looks like you've tried different shades of problem solving to no avail. I'm sure some experts here who know the audio system will be able to provide you with a rainbow of possibilities! Good luck.
 
Maybe you can find a member close to you and switch out components with them. Start with the amp. If everything is still messed up switch out the headunit.

One thing, there are a lot of noise issues associated with the headunit. I've replaced mine. Maybe next time I'm down in Tustin, I can help you out.
 
Thanks man! That would be awesome to have one I could just swap out. What kind of issues did you have with your headunit? I have seen quite a few issues with Bose amps in all makes and models of cars but have not found anything with the popping sound.

Maybe you can find a member close to you and switch out components with them. Start with the amp. If everything is still messed up switch out the headunit.

One thing, there are a lot of noise issues associated with the headunit. I've replaced mine. Maybe next time I'm down in Tustin, I can help you out.
 
Id start with a close visual inspection of the preamp section of the head unit with an emphasis on the capacitors. Bad ones will start to bulge at the top like this:
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capblown_3.jpg
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You'll also want to look for any sort of cracking on the boards, loose connections, cold solder joints at the connectors, and damaged ribbon cables.
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PCB diagnosis takes a sharp turn toward complicated beyond this point. Are you comfortable with cracking it open on your own? Do you have any sort of diagnostic equipment?
 
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