Honda Clarity PHEV Issues w/ Subwoofer

Discussion in 'Clarity' started by stackedactors, Sep 16, 2021.

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  1. stackedactors

    stackedactors New Member

    Probably a long shot finding a solution here, but I had a subwoofer professionally installed locally and whenever I switch from EV to gas playing music, I can occasionally hear a loud "wir" noise, like electrical interference or something. Only seems to happen occasionally, sometimes triggered by intense regen braking or acceleration. Doesn't occur when driving on EV only, thank god. Anybody else have this issue?
     
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  3. insightman

    insightman Well-Known Member Subscriber

    Does the noise continue the whole time the engine is running? Does the sound vary with the engine RPMs? I'm surprised there's a difference between EV and HV, but the most likely solution for automotive audio-system noises to provide better and well-grounded shielding around the wiring to your sub-woofer.
     
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  4. stackedactors

    stackedactors New Member

    Doesn't appear that the sound varies with engine RPMs, but it could, once it starts it can be pretty consistently "quiet" or just straight up loud for a good period of time. I'll see if moving the ground/any power cables away from the RCA and audio input cables fixes it
     
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  5. insightman

    insightman Well-Known Member Subscriber

    When I moved the rear-mounted CD changer from my 2000 Insight to my 2006 Insight, I didn't do a good job of routing the signal cable. As a result, there was too much static--from the hybrid's electrical system, not the engine--to use the changer. Fortunately, the 2006 Insight had a CD-slot in the radio replacing the 2000's cassette tape drive. Thirteen years later, when I changed my Insight's massive (OK, only 70 lbs.) IMA hybrid battery, I wrapped the signal cable in layers of aluminum foil and routed it absolutely as far from the battery and hybrid electronics as possible. That shielding finally cured the interference problem--two months before I sold the car.
     
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  6. fotomoto

    fotomoto Active Member

    Take it back and tell them that. They’ll know exactly what’s going on and how to easily fix it. If they don’t, RUN!
     
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  8. stackedactors

    stackedactors New Member

    Yea it doesn't sound so much like static, moreso like too much power is overloading the speaker?
     
  9. stackedactors

    stackedactors New Member

    Haha, the reason I'm not taking it back is because they didn't even properly ground it. I tried to get them to fix it before I discovered how **** of a job they did, but they had 0 clue
     
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  10. stackedactors

    stackedactors New Member

    Tried isolating the audio cords from the power to no avail, I've been able to record the sound I'm hearing. My phone doesn't accurately capture it, but good enough I assume. Any suggestions as to what it could be?
     

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  11. insightman

    insightman Well-Known Member Subscriber

    Do you have a patch cord that you could use to send audio from your phone or other device to the subwoofer while you're driving instead of from the Clarity's head unit? If you still heard that sound you would know something related to the subwoofer rather than the wiring is the problem.
     
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  13. Robert_Alabama

    Robert_Alabama Well-Known Member

    I'd probably try installing a noise suppressor (low pass filter) on the 12V DC feed to the sub-woofer. Not sure where the "whine" could be coming from, since this is usually from an alternator and the Clarity doesn't have one, but the filter might fix the issue. It will have to be rated for at least the amp draw from the sub-woofer. A quick search on ebay showed this as a possible solution:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/153816608232
     
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