ipod and super high pitched squealing

Squirtis · 10-26-2009, 01:07 AM

So recently i wanted to try my ipod in my new 06 xB, used but new for me.

There seems to always be a high pitched squeal in the background of songs, it's definitely more noticeable at the beginning of a song or when going through tracks. This noise seems to be pretty persistent and it's quite annoying when you know it's there.

Has anyone else had this problem? Anyone know what it could be or how to fix it?

I'm using the ipod via the cable that plugs in to the ipod slot next to the ebrake.

oh i forgot to mention, the sound sounds like it's coming from the headunit itself. it's strange... it's kind of like the sound when you put a really scratched CD in the player and the player is going crazy trying to read all the scratches.

gravebox · 10-26-2009, 05:06 AM

you may want to get that looked at. could very well be a failing circuit, more specifically, something to do with one of the PWM units. a PWM is a pulse width modulator, it changes it's pulse rate and amount of current draw allowed for many applications like electric motors and such. for audio, it controls power output to speakers. when they go bad they can make very noticeable sounds which are actually the frequency they are operating at. but this is only one of a few things.

another could be a poor factory grounding for the head unit or the dealship that installed the AUX port for small media players like the iPod was installed (wired) poorly and may be grounding out to something and causing the headunit to pickup the pitch of the engine RPM which may be what your hearing. you can do a simple test for this one by turning up the audio system without playing anything while having your iPod hooked up. then rev your engine back and forth from idel to 4-5,000rpm and back down. if the pitch of the sound you hear changes and follows the engine RPM, then you have one of those two problems originally mentioned.

if it's not any of that... you're guess is as good as mine. if it's only with your iPod being plugged in, it could possibly be your iPod having issues aswell.

Squirtis · 10-26-2009, 10:20 PM

yea it's only with the ipod, with CDs it's fine. it's weird though cuz this morning i was messin with it while my car was warming up and the sound wasn't present at all. first time i haven't heard it when using the ipod.

i'll try reving the engine up tomorrow or something.

what would i need to do if the circuit is failing? would this be an easy or expensive fix?

awinter · 10-26-2009, 11:44 PM

You could always upgrade to a new head unit like this one ...

It's on sale at Fry's Electronics for $129.99.

The docking system is so simple - just flip down the face plate and insert your iPod in the clever dock, which is compatible with the following iPod models:
iPod touch - Gen1 and Gen 2*
iPod classic - Gen5 (30GB, 60GB, 80GB) Gen6 (80GB, 160GB) and Gen 7
iPod nano - Gen2, Gen3 and Gen 4

*CA-IP500 manufactured before the release of the iPod touch Gen 2, require a modification to the detachable face plate.

Click here contact your FUSION regional office for more information.
SRS Wow sound shaping and electronic audio level settings ensure excellent sound quality with a stunning OLED display provides clear, easy-to-read graphics and multiple lines of text which is helpful when using the stereo to control your iPod.

Other Features

* Bass/treble/mid/balance/ fader control
* 50W x 4 (max)
* 7 band equalizer (11 presets, 3 users)
* Low and high pass filter/subwoofer level control
* Security Code and Clock
* 2 colour illumination (white/blue)
* Detachable face plate for anti-theft

A New iPod sleeve is now available for the new iPod nano Gen 4.

Squirtis · 10-26-2009, 11:52 PM

i'm broke as a joke right now. i'll take a free one if anyone wants to throw it my head as payment or something.

gravebox · 10-27-2009, 12:58 AM

if it's a failing circuit and you're still within the factory warranty then you can get the headunit replaced with a new one. it's either that or a new aftermarket headunit... that's IF it's a circuit issue and it's just about there...

BUT if yoou don't hear it when playing CD's... then it could be something to do directly with the AUX port and it's routing inside the headunit.

litos_2006 · 10-27-2009, 01:05 AM

are u using the ipod jack or the aux jack if its he aux jack u are using us your cable a stereo 3.5mm cable

Squirtis · 10-27-2009, 01:34 AM

i'm using the ipod jack. i don't know if the car is still under the factory warranty, but i know it has an extended warranty which i still need to transfer to my name, but i doubt the extended warranty cover audio equipment.

anyone know the regular warranty's life? the car has 37k mi, but was bought in late 06 i think...

i just looked it up and it's 3yr/36k mi. so i'm screwed there..

gravebox · 10-28-2009, 04:00 PM

iPod jack and AUX jack are both the same thing. it's just a 3.5mm standard stereo audio signal jack.

one thing i didn't think of though... see about going to a local music equipment store and getting a sheilded cable, like a monster or even better, mogami cable. it may be an inductance issue with something else in the car with you. that could be the easiest fix if it does fix it before having to start replacing other more expencive equipment.

Squirtis · 10-28-2009, 09:21 PM

the aux is 3.5 but the ipod is a big ass rectangle cable that looks like it could in a motherboard or something, but if you mean in the end it's the same then ok, cuz i don't know about that. I haven't tried the 3.5mm jack yet, i'll try plugin my ipod through there and see if i get the same noise.

thanks for the help, i'll follow up after this weekend and tell you guys what i find out.

IloveSpeedbumps · 10-28-2009, 09:24 PM

dont get the fusion! i bought one at bestbuy for 50 bucks, and gave it away a week later lol

Waldo · 11-06-2009, 09:47 PM

I have the same noise......I found out that my aux jack it picking up the power noise from my Ipod charging in the cig outlet.......so if your plugging into the aux and power at the same time, you could be havin the same thing thats going on with mine......however if you get a new head unit that directly to your ipot (via the ipod connection thing, where you can controll your Ipod from your head unit) it will get rid of that blasted noise......eventually you get used to it though,......
my Ipod doesnt last 30 min unless it's plugged in, so i hear that stupid noise alot......

hopefully though, Ill be getting a new head unit....and trust me.....I'm getting one that syncs with the ipod......