No Sound from Rear Speakers! Any suggestions?

[gwoodburn]

I have a 2003 Boxster S. I recently, just after Christmas, installed the PNP rear speaker kit that I ordered from Harvey on ebay. The install went well with no issues and the kit was working until last week when I noticed there was no sound coming from the rear. The front and door speakers work just as they always have, just no sound coming from the rear speakers. I checked all of the rear speakers and they are not defective. I also checked all continuity on the wires in the rear enclosure and running from the front amp and everything checks out ok. I have been in touch with Harvey about the issue and he has been fantastic about resolving the issue, but we still haven't come up with a solution. Everything right now points to a bad amp, but it is hard for me to imagine that only the rear channel outputs, both left and right, on the amp have gone out. Has anyone had any similar problems?

[Cassiebox]

Amp certainly could be issue as they are weak and '03 was first go around for MOST system. You wouldn't be first w/ problems... With the amp suddenly having different load after 7years, it could have fried the rear two channels. If you tested the continuity of the wiring from from the amp to the speakers and it is ok, and if the speakers are ok, then amp is issue. Pick up a used one on ebay or replace your head unit and amp w/ aftermkt.

Just in case though, regarding the wiring, did you check the other 2 in-line plugs:

- brown one above the gas pedal (or where ever you may have put it) where you make the connection between the lead from the amp to the speaker lead? You can check for amp output there - if none on the front side then amp most likely problem or wires somehow got cut.

- white (unless Harvey changed plug colors) plug under the clamshell where the rear enclosure connects w/ the lead on the passenger side?

Good luck

:)

Edited January 18, 2011 by Cassiebox

[gwoodburn]

- brown one above the gas pedal (or where ever you may have put it) where you make the connection between the lead from the amp to the speaker lead? You can check for amp output there - if none on the front side then amp most likely problem or wires somehow got cut.

- white (unless Harvey changed plug colors) plug under the clamshell where the rear enclosure connects w/ the lead on the passenger side?

I thought of that and the wires are definitely not cut. I jumped the terminals for pins 3 and 12 on the amp harness with a paper clip and took a miltimeter to the white plug under the clamshell where the rear enclosure connects and checked for continuity where they connect to the male plug on the rear enclosure. I did the same for the terminals on pins 4 and 13. Complete continuity from the amp harness all the way back.

I just cant believe that an amp could loose those channels completely without having an affect on the other channels. I guess its possible, just sounds stupid. What a POS amp.

One day I might upgrade to a complete aftermarket system. I wanted to keep the stock look for now.

[kbrandsma]

Remove the connection at the AMP and connect rear speakers to a nine volt battery. If wiring is good you should hear a crackling sound in the rear speakers. Check your fade button on the head unit. Have you had ignition problems? Sometimes a failing ignition switch does quirky things to the radio controls (balance/fade) Good luck!

Edited January 18, 2011 by kbrandsma

[gwoodburn]

Remove the connection at the AMP and connect rear speakers to a nine volt battery. If wiring is good you should hear a crackling sound in the rear speakers. Check your fade button on the head unit. Have you had ignition problems? Sometimes a failing ignition switch does quirky things to the radio controls (balance/fade) Good luck!

I will double check the wiring with the battery. Good idea. How exactly do you check the fade button? I know how to fade to the front and back, but other than that how do you really check it otherwise. No ignition problems. Although I did have my battery checked and it is at about 560 CCA, which i know is low. I plan on getting a new battery soon. I really didn't think it could be a cause because i figured either the amp is working or its not.