Radio Whine In '04 GP

[terryshrout]

Here we are again. My daughter's '04 GP GT, 3.8L, with 92,000 mi. has an occasional whine that seems to come through the front speakers. Funny thing is that you still hear the noise when the radio is turned off. The noise is intermitent (hear it two or three times a week). The noise would seem to intensify based on actuating the throttle (don't hear it when coasting, gets louder as you increase throttle position). Usually clears itself when you shut the car off. My daughter asked a dealer mechanic about the problem and without looking at the car he thought it might be the radio amplifier going out (a $350 item). Just looking for some ideas from anyone out there before blindly replacing parts. Thanks in advance for the advice..........again.

[deb0704us]

Originally Posted by terryshrout

Here we are again. My daughter's '04 GP GT, 3.8L, with 92,000 mi. has an occasional whine that seems to come through the front speakers. Funny thing is that you still hear the noise when the radio is turned off. The noise is intermitent (hear it two or three times a week). The noise would seem to intensify based on actuating the throttle (don't hear it when coasting, gets louder as you increase throttle position). Usually clears itself when you shut the car off. My daughter asked a dealer mechanic about the problem and without looking at the car he thought it might be the radio amplifier going out (a $350 item). Just looking for some ideas from anyone out there before blindly replacing parts. Thanks in advance for the advice..........again.

Sounds like a bad ground wire. Wish I'd know that when I had my '98 Grand Prix with the whine. Please see this thread.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ht=radio+noise
Good luck!

[terryshrout]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check that out and let everyone know if that takes care of the situation. I appreciate you taking the time to help.

[terryshrout]

deb0704us, finally was able to get daughter's car back and work on it again. Per your suggestion checked the radio ground, it seemed OK. What I did find was corrosion on the negative battery post. Took both battery cables off used chemical battery cleaner and wire brushed cable ends and battery posts. So far so good, speaker whine is gone. Really appreciate the tips. That's what I like, a cheap fix that I can actually do correctly. Seems these instances are few and far between. Thanks for the help. She should be a happier camper now.

[Tech II]

If the noise comes back, check the radio ground module bolt, located at rear of headliner, in center about 4" in.....have to drop liner to access....

[terryshrout]

Thanks again to all who help. Your assistance is most appreciated. I'll keep that last tip in mind if this doesn't work. Hopefully I won't need it but I never hurts to have a little ammo in reserve. If the noise does come back I'll keep everyone posted.