New radio. New antenna - Still crackles

[Jim_Phillips]

I replaced my origional CD/Radio for something with iPod connectivity. I was really hoping that this would fix the crackling radio reception but it didn't.

I have today removed the OEM electric antenna for a bendy one that won't break everytime I get too close to a bush. I was expecting this to sort out the poor reception but regretfully it hasn't.

Is there some problem I am overlooking? Thanks all..

 

[gotmud]

Trace your radio's ground to where it terminates. If this connection is loose or dirty, it can cause what you are explaining. Also, did you remember to disconnect the factory amp?

 

[SeanAndHis80]

Jim - Tell us more. Does it crackle when the engine is running or off or either? What condition are your grounds in? It is a diesel - so ignition wires are not the culprit. What shape is your alternator in? If you have or know someone who has an oscilloscope - put it across the power to the radio and see how much interference the signal has (should be a fairly steady line representing 12V.)

 

[Jim_Phillips]

No. I didn't disconnect the factory amp... no idea where that is! It sounds like a good suggestion so I will look this up. Cheers.

 

[Jim_Phillips]

it only crackles when the ignition is on - otherwise it is fine. It could be a bad earth - to be honest I am out of my depth with this radio/cd/dvd - there are so many wires out of the back that I don't know which is which.. That's why I origionally had someone arranged to do the job. I'll get out the instructions and see if I can find any info on the ground wire.. Thanks,

 

[MARLIN375]

Do you have any other aftermarket components hooked up to your battery? I had issue with static and it turned out to be my inverter feeding back through the battery.

 

[gisham]

mine crackles too with the antenna up or down... i just said the hell with it and got Sirius...

 

[gotmud]

If you have an aftermarket radio, you will need to disconnect the factory amp located behind the glove box. Do a search and I'm sure you'll find some pictures of which plugs to disconnect on the amp.

 

[SeanAndHis80]

it only crackles when the ignition is on - otherwise it is fine. It could be a bad earth - to be honest I am out of my depth with this radio/cd/dvd - there are so many wires out of the back that I don't know which is which.. That's why I origionally had someone arranged to do the job. I'll get out the instructions and see if I can find any info on the ground wire.. Thanks,

So, I assume that you mean that the engine is off but the ignition is on.

I would pull some fuses and see which circuit is generating the interference, maybe it's the fuel pump or the ecu? Also, according to the 10 & 6 pin connectors on the back of the stereo that you removed there is no external amp. That pinout corresponds to an internally amplified HU. The other plug is for the CD Changer.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/280055-wiring-harness-toyota-pioneer-stereo.html

 

[UCBerzerkeley]

OK, I'm confused. Does it crackle when you use the iPod or the radio? If the radio, what does it have to do with ipod connectivity?

So you've got this aftermarket head unit. If that is the case, make sure all the wires are wired correctly to their corresponding speakers (front R negative, front R positive, etc) and disconnect the factory amp (located to the right of the glove box, behind the speaker in the dash. Just unplug both plugs.)

After that, make sure sure your grounds on the antenna and the head unit are good. Prolly report back after that.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Check speaker connections. 2 cents Mike

 

[Jim_Phillips]

I plan on tackling this over the weekend. To clarify, the radio crackles - the CD & iPod are fine. I have not earthed the player so I think this is likely to be the problem. If not, I will explore further. I am, as always, gratefull for the help and advice. I'll update as I progress..

 

[Jim_Phillips]

So, I assume that you mean that the engine is off but the ignition is on.

I would pull some fuses and see which circuit is generating the interference, maybe it's the fuel pump or the ecu? Also, according to the 10 & 6 pin connectors on the back of the stereo that you removed there is no external amp. That pinout corresponds to an internally amplified HU. The other plug is for the CD Changer.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/280055-wiring-harness-toyota-pioneer-stereo.html

You are right on this one I think. Having looked at previous posts relating to external amps, I don't seem to have one. It is difficult to be sure because all pics relate to lhd vehicles and mine is rhd.

I will do as you suggest and pull some fuses - that will help get closer to the problem. Cheers Sean, Jim

 

[firetruck41]

I had the same problem, I tried different grounds and also a ground loop isolator, the only thing that worked was using plastic screws to attach the head unit to the dash, to isolate the headunit from the body. This was only an interim solution, and not perfect, I ended up removing the factory amp and and powering the speakers from the head unit, this permanently fixed the problem and sounds much better as well. I waited a year before I did the permanent fix, wish I would have done it right the first time, it was not hard. I had a Scosche (I think) harness, from Walmart, that I used to connect to the factory speakers, I had to extend the harness by adding about 20" of length so it would reach from the head unit to the wire harness located at the factory amp location. The harness was about $10.
Since yours is RHD, I can't help anymore, but hope this helps some.