New head unit; fuzz/static sound

[MarkM66]

I recently installed a new head unit, Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597 , in my '04 Vibe. Got it from Crutchfield, along with their harness. Problem is, at low volume I can hear a static/fuzz sound. Not sure how to describe it, it basically that sound you hear when you volume is turned way up, but nothing is playing. I call Crutchfield, and I told me to make sure it was grounded well. So I grounded it straight to that metal bar that's behind the unit under the dash. This didn't help. It makes the sound at all function, sirius, ipod, radio etc.

Any suggestions on how to get rid of this noise?

Thanks

[kumquat]

Do you have any kind of input plugged into the deck? A rear RCA input, a front aux input, etc?

[MarkM66]

Do you have any kind of input plugged into the deck? A rear RCA input, a front aux input, etc?

No RCA inputs. I can hear it, if something is plugged into the front usb port, or not.

Crutchfield told me to unplug the antenna, and see if it goes away. Or, swap power wires. Love buying something new, only to have to trouble shoot it.

[ImUrOBGYN]

If you run the factory amp (if yours is so equipped), you will need to buy a low line converter to install between the new stereo and the car's harness or you will get static from overpowering the factory amp. If you have it installed, there's a good chance the installers may miss this, as well.

Funny thing, for the first time I decided to let someone else tell me what I needed and used Crutchfield for the a sale they were having. Purchased stereo, installed it myself, same problems as you. Recheck everything even though I'm super OCD. Finally call them so they can tell me its the ground over and over. I tell them they're completely wrong in so many ways and that's its not our antenna issue (It would only affect stereo reception), and no interference from anything. I tell them send me a new stereo, I'm not doing this again. They cave and do it. I stll have the same problem. A little digging thru the vibe and after some viewing some wiring diagrams, etc, I figured out my problem.

Scosche makes one. Give me a sec and I'll see if I can find the exact one I purchased...

Here ya go. 99% sure this is the one I used and it will work with the harness Crutchfield probably sent you, ie; a wire type harness not an rca harness. Disclaimer: You may have to lengthen some lines and be very careful once you have it wired as they like to slip out of the converter if you yank on them much.

BTW, this happens to be one of the cheapest prices I've seen on this converter but I havent shopped it in a very long time. Good luck. This will solve problem.

[cptnsolo77]

I bought the same exact unit & I have the SAME problem. I have the factory amp too. Funny cause I bought the Scosche SLC-4 along with the unit from crutchfeild. Prior to installing the unit I called Scosche for help on the installiation & they said I didnt need it. Crutchfeild said the same thing. well....i installed it and have hissing just as u described. I should have just installed it in the first place & took the advice of my fellow vibers Oh well, actually I got used to the hissing. The Vibe has so much road noise its not even noticeable at all. I will eventually install the scorshe unit, but for now im really enjoying my kenwood HU. Awesome peice ! Sounds so good I have ringing in my ears...which is not good. I should have known cause I right ear is sensitive to loud music after playing in a band. I got carried away with my new stereo & im paying the price. Im think I may have slight tinnitus in my right ear now. Protect your ears guys !!!!

[MarkM66]

If you run the factory amp (if yours is so equipped), you will need to buy a low line converter to install between the new stereo and the car's harness or you will get static from overpowering the factory amp. If you have it installed, there's a good chance the installers may miss this, as well.

Funny thing, for the first time I decided to let someone else tell me what I needed and used Crutchfield for the a sale they were having. Purchased stereo, installed it myself, same problems as you. Recheck everything even though I'm super OCD. Finally call them so they can tell me its the ground over and over. I tell them they're completely wrong in so many ways and that's its not our antenna issue (It would only affect stereo reception), and no interference from anything. I tell them send me a new stereo, I'm not doing this again. They cave and do it. I stll have the same problem. A little digging thru the vibe and after some viewing some wiring diagrams, etc, I figured out my problem.

Scosche makes one. Give me a sec and I'll see if I can find the exact one I purchased...

Here ya go. 99% sure this is the one I used and it will work with the harness Crutchfield probably sent you, ie; a wire type harness not an rca harness. Disclaimer: You may have to lengthen some lines and be very careful once you have it wired as they like to slip out of the converter if you yank on them much.

BTW, this happens to be one of the cheapest prices I've seen on this converter but I havent shopped it in a very long time. Good luck. This will solve problem.

Great. Thanks for the info. I don't see a link to the Scosche harness?

[MarkM66]

Can anyone help with what I need to get rid of this interference noise?