Hey guys, I just bought a 2002 s2000.

I noticed it has an iPod/iPhone hookup that works nicely (except I can't change tracks using any of the controls). But it has a few issues:

(1) I hear static even when the volume is at 0 or 1 bar, regardless of whether any iPod is connected or if it's just the radio. A constant static hiss.

(2) I've also noticed that sometimes when driving over bumpy roads, the stereo will cut out for a second and then continue.

I checked and apparently there's a SONY amp installed under the passenger seat and there's a red wire that looks like it's grounding under the passenger front-right seat bolt. It is grounded right on the spa yellow paint under the seat bolt.

Any ideas how to fix this issue?

Thanks!

 

Hmmm....well the random grounded red wire, I'm not sure about, I would check to see what it goes to if I were you. And if it is supposed to be grounded, I would make sure you sand the point of contact down to the bare metal, It will not be getting a proper ground through that paint, prime, etc.

The speaker problem, I have had before. Check all of the wiring connections to the speakers. I am assuming its an aftermarket head unit so I would start with the connections to the wiring harness first. That should clear the static and most likely the cutting out problem too.

 

That red wire is probably the ground wire for the amp. Grind the paint off underneath the connection and reinstall the ground. Check resistance on the ground, it should be 0 or very near it. A bad ground can cause the static you're experiencing.

Does the stereo cut out when listening to the CD player, iPod, radio? Does it turn off or just stop producing sound? Is it literally for just a second or 2, or is it more like 10 seconds?

 

Thanks guys, I should have mentioned: SONY amp and the head-unit is the stock AP1.

I did notice that when the red ground wire is not fully pushed down by the seat bolt, there is no power to the stereo/HU (and no sound or static). Occasionally some sparks fly when I adjust its location (normal?) and then when enough pressure is put down, the stereo/HU gets enough power and it works. But with static.

I've only ever used the stereo with an iPhone connected and I don't think it turns off. The sound just cuts off for a second in the middle of a song and continues right where it left off, real quick. Literally a second or less.

I'm not electronics-inclined and I don't have any tools (like a voltmeter?). I will definitely sand down the area under the seat bolt.

Anything else I should be looking for? There's so many wires and a little tube-like black thing that's connected to the amp under the seat--I have no idea what it is. Can't even take photos because it's so tight back there and the damn seat won't move all the way back because of the amp. Catch-22

 

I have the same issue with my stereo turning all-most off during certain driving. I've done everything I can think of except change out the battery. I don't think it's the AMP or CD player, but I could be wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Sorry but where is your ground?

I haven't gotten a chance yet to sand down the paint under my passenger seat bolt for my amp ground.

 

Don't laugh, but it is on the bolt that holds down the passenger seat. I grounded down the paint in that area too. The funny thing is that it only happens when shifting gear or and time when I depress the clutch.