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Noise/Static from speakers

Discussion in 'Prius c Audio and Electronics' started by TheTimob, Jan 22, 2014.

  1. TheTimob

    TheTimob Member

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    I recently bought a 2013 Prius C 3. The display audio system makes a lot of white noise when it's on - sounds like a cassette tape hiss. That's okay I guess - chalk it up to oem audio. Right?

    Well, it also makes a slight static noise at the same time - sounds like wind blowing on a microphone or ocean waves. Very quiet. It makes the noise when the accessory power is on hybrid system off. Even if the Audio is turned off and the screen is black. It also makes this noise when the car is powered on, hybrid system on. Engine doesn't have to be running - it makes the noise all the time.

    Does anybody else have this issue? Should I be taking it to the dealer for them to check it out?
     
  2. los panda

    los panda Member

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    you can hear it at all volume levels?

    you can hear it when the stereo is off?
     
  3. TheTimob

    TheTimob Member

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    Yep. Any volume level. When the stereo is off. The only time I don't hear it is when the power of the car is totally off. Push the power button of the car, and the his/static starts.
     
  4. los panda

    los panda Member

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    hopefully it's something simple like a weak ground or loose connection.

    i would take it to the dealer if you are not comfortable investigating/troubleshooting on your own.
     
  5. TheTimob

    TheTimob Member

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    I removed the radio, reseated all the connectors. I also reset the radio, and even disconnected the 12v battery for 15 minutes to reset the whole car. The sound was still there.

    I took it to the dealer. After initially saying that the thumping/static sound might be normal, they took another new Prius C three off the lot and we checked the speakers for the same sound. That Prius C did not have the sound. The dealer then ordered another audio unit for my car.
     
  6. Boberic

    Boberic Junior Member

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    Is it possible you're hearing the fan for the heater/ac? Mine seems kinda loud but I've just chalked it up to the car being so quiet (compared to my last car that) I hear stuff I never heard before.
     
  7. TheTimob

    TheTimob Member

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    Nah, because the other Prius C we tried didn't make the same sounds. My car makes these sounds with the car in the ACC mode, and the stereo turned off. The static doesn't change with any electrical loads, hybrid system power, lights or anything.
     
  8. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

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    Hope that fixes it. Keep us updated!
     
  9. Boberic

    Boberic Junior Member

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    Just for giggles... try hitting the off button on the climate control... I say this because in my car the fan does sound a lot more like static than it sounds like a fan, at least when on the low fan speed setting.
     
  10. TheTimob

    TheTimob Member

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    Yep, with climate control off, recirc on or off, temp hi or low, it's still thumpy. Even rear defrost, different lights, or other loads don't change the sound.
     
  11. Boberic

    Boberic Junior Member

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    Any update on the solution?
     
  12. TheTimob

    TheTimob Member

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    Radio is still on order from the dealer... for more than a month now.
     
  13. TheTimob

    TheTimob Member

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    Finally the radio came and it was installed earlier today. On the repair invoice:

    CUSTOMER STATES HEARING A CRACKLE SOUND FROM RADIO WHEN ON.
    INSTALL SOP AUDIO UNIT
    INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUNT AUDIO UNIT TO HAVE INTERNAL FAULT
    CAUSING NOISE EVEN WHEN UNIT IS POWERED OFF.
    REPLACED AUDIO UNIT WITH NEW PARTS AND TESTED OPERATION.
    NO ISSUES PRESENT AT THIS TIME.

    It works great. No noise. No hiss. No rumble.
     
  14. TheTimob

    TheTimob Member

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    Three
    Now I'm getting a "Check Antenna" error message on the satellite radio. I don't use the satellite radio, but it never displayed this message before. I guess I should just leave it alone.

    I pulled out the radio, and checked the satellite radio connector - it looks fine. I removed it an re-seated it. Still no dice.