Stereo Problems - '02 GP GT

[troypar54]

Hey all - first time poster...

I searched the forums for an answer, but couldn't find anything that pertained to my specific problem.

I just recently purchased a 2002 GP GT and it has the factory Bose 8 speaker system with the amp in the trunk. My problem is when the temperature gets near or below freezing, I get no sound from any of my speakers. My stereo head unit (it doesn't have the EQ, only the Bass & Treble controls) seems to be functioning properly - I can eject the CD, change the radio stations, etc., but I just don't get any sound - until the car's interior warms up a bit and BAM! - sound! I bought a 3 year extended warranty when I bought the car in October, but I just haven't had the chance to get it to the dealership yet - I want to try to diagnose the problem a little before hand. Anyone out there experience anything like this? My thinking is the problems lies in the Bose amp, maybe it has gotten some sort of moisture in it that freezes & thaws, causing the amp to either not get any power or not output to the speakers. I'm not real handy with amp/volt meters, so I really don't know how to check the wiring... Later today, I'm going to try to remove the amp and check it over (haven't had a chance yet because of work), I just wanted to get some feelers from you experts! Thanks in advance!

[gtp'n]

Originally Posted by troypar54

Hey all - first time poster...

I searched the forums for an answer, but couldn't find anything that pertained to my specific problem.

I just recently purchased a 2002 GP GT and it has the factory Bose 8 speaker system with the amp in the trunk. My problem is when the temperature gets near or below freezing, I get no sound from any of my speakers. My stereo head unit (it doesn't have the EQ, only the Bass & Treble controls) seems to be functioning properly - I can eject the CD, change the radio stations, etc., but I just don't get any sound - until the car's interior warms up a bit and BAM! - sound! I bought a 3 year extended warranty when I bought the car in October, but I just haven't had the chance to get it to the dealership yet - I want to try to diagnose the problem a little before hand. Anyone out there experience anything like this? My thinking is the problems lies in the Bose amp, maybe it has gotten some sort of moisture in it that freezes & thaws, causing the amp to either not get any power or not output to the speakers. I'm not real handy with amp/volt meters, so I really don't know how to check the wiring... Later today, I'm going to try to remove the amp and check it over (haven't had a chance yet because of work), I just wanted to get some feelers from you experts! Thanks in advance!

Sounds like there is a problem with the amp. If I remember correctly all the speakers are run from that amp in the trunk. I had a simular problem back in the 90's with an amp I had in an old car. The speakers would sound teriable untill it warmer up.

[troypar54]

Update: I was messing around with the connections on the amp and such and discovered that my driver's side rear 6x9 speaker isn't working either. This is not the same original temperature problem because it's 70 degrees here today. The 4" speaker beside it works and when I use the power for the 4" (using a piece of speaker wire) I have sound from the 6x9 - so the speaker itself isn't bad. I hooked-up the 6x9's power to the 4" and it did NOT work. So there's something going on with that power harness. I disconnected & re-seated the harnesses, but it made no difference.

[richtazz]

Your amp is bad. The amp is actually a low frequency amp, and only powers the 6x9, not the smaller one. When they go bad, they can cause a power back-feed, which will kill all sound.

[BNaylor]

I agree with Rich. Your Bose multi-channel amp is probably bad. It feeds all of your speakers (8). They don't like the heat or cold, so it is a common problem. All you can do with a multimeter is verify that you have radio enable on at Pin A1 of the big connector on the amp. If it's present then the amp is acting up internally.

Also, it is NOT a good idea to be messing with or swapping channel outputs to the speakers installed in your car's Bose system. They are specially matched up based on impedance matching, frequency and power handling capability, etc. The Bose amp puts out around 200 watts RMS with over 400 watts peak. They have been known to start a fire in the trunk area if tampered with or during troubleshooting.

[troypar54]

Thanks for all of the quick & knowledgable responses. Hopefully I can find a used amp, a new one at my local Pontiac dealer is $284...