Topic: Stereo breaking up (Read 13930 times)

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **on:** February 23, 2010, 04:18:06 PM »

Hey guys, I was out riding my 04 SEEG last weekend and had a problem with my stereo breaking up. It sounds like a bad connection, it does it off and on sometimes worse that others at times it work work at all. It makes no difference if your using the radio, CD player or the factory MP3 player, the deck never loses power. I took it to the dealer for warranty repair. They claim it was a broken antenna wire and they could not find any connection issues. I got 2 miles from the dealer and it started acting up again. I have to take it back to the dealership for them to take another shot at fixing it. Has anyone else seen an issue like this thought maybe something they are overlooking. I hate being without my bike... :nixweiss:

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #1 on:** February 23, 2010, 07:01:39 PM »

If it's what I'm thinking the triad or heat sink has probably come loose like most of the other HK radios.

Had to send mine off to http://www.ironcrossaudio.com/ to have my HK radio fixed. Mine would not shut off, just lost volume as it heated up after 10 or so minutes... everything would work but you could hear no sound using the radio, CD or Ipod, turn it off for a few, back on and it would work for another few minutes.

flhse · « **Reply #2 on:** February 23, 2010, 07:12:56 PM »

The 2004 uses the Radio Sound radio, not the H-K that came out in 2006.

I just sold my 2004 FLHTCSE radio today. I don't remember any issues like you have stated. I had a ground wire break that attaches to the front of the neck, you can see it with the fairing off or maybe you can look at the neck with the side stand down, forks turned all of the way to the left, look at the top of the neck and see if a big black wire is still attached to a screw.

Other than that, call radio sound.

Brad

Mr. Wizard · « **Reply #3 on:** February 23, 2010, 07:21:10 PM »

Thanks for the info Brad

I actually still have my 07 HK radio in the box from Iron Cross. Got a HogTunes system instead. Have heard so much bad about HK radios it will stay in the box until I sell the trike.

grc · « **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2010, 07:45:10 PM »

Ask the aces at your dealership how the antenna causes the CD player to cut out. I'd love to hear the response, since I'm always looking to learn new things.

Give the folks at Radio Sound a call and ask them, rather than listen to the "audio experts" at the dealership.

http://www.radiosound.com/customer_service.php

Jerry

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 23, 2010, 08:52:50 PM »

Thanks for all the input. I am taking it back in asap. I think I will call Radio sound and get their input also. I purchased 3yrs of warranty with the bike which should cover repair or replacement. I kinda did not understand their logic but okay we will see what happens. I really needed the bike back since we had a ride planned for Sat and Sun and I have not got to put 200 miles on it yet. I have been all over this bike with a fine tooth comb, cleaning and polishing waiting for our first great day to ride. I have yet to find anything wrong with it. Hell I was really surprised to find no peeling chrome. I just turned the radio down and enjoyed the sweet sound of the 103.....

spydglide · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2010, 09:38:59 PM »

Quote from: cobaltbluetultra2004 on February 23, 2010, 08:52:50 PM

Thanks for all the input. I am taking it back in asap. I think I will call Radio sound and get their input also. I purchased 3yrs of warranty with the bike which should cover repair or replacement. I kinda did not understand their logic but okay we will see what happens. I really needed the bike back since we had a ride planned for Sat and Sun and I have not got to put 200 miles on it yet. I have been all over this bike with a fine tooth comb, cleaning and polishing waiting for our first great day to ride. I have yet to find anything wrong with it. Hell I was really surprised to find no peeling chrome. I just turned the radio down and enjoyed the sweet sound of the 103.....

Sounds like it'll be your huckleberry.

har. spyder

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2010, 09:53:33 PM »

Spyder, I am knowing what ya mean. I took one look at this bike and told myself I have to have that bike. I went through many sleepless nights and after about 2 weeks I just went and bought my baby.....

You buy your first Harley go straight to the top.......

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 02, 2010, 09:33:28 AM »

Returned my scooter back to the dealer Saturday. I explained to them the issues again. They called me back yesterday about 10am wanting more information on the problem so I explained myself again. I told him the breaking up is sporadic but once it starts it goes downhill from there, so I just shut it off. The dealer called me back about an hour later and contested they could find any connection issues or wire problems so they were going to install a brand stereo under the extended warranty contract.

custardglide · « **Reply #9 on:** March 02, 2010, 03:11:41 PM »

Yeah, mine was doin the same thing a couple of years ago, turned out to be the starter relay, If I had'nt heard it from John @ radio sound, I would have thought it was a wind up, but thats what he said it was, and he turned out to be correct

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2010, 10:35:04 AM »

Well got my baby back from the dealer on Friday after they installed a new stereo. I made it about a mile and a half and the radio started breaking up again. I got home and checked the volume control switch while I was installing my chrome button kit. I could not find a problem, I returned to the dealer Sat morning and they replied they could not get it to malfunction like I stated. The service manager took it for a ride, on his return he rode it straight into the shop. I had to peek around the corner to see what was going on. There was 3 guys standing around the bike. They finally got it to act up as I had explained. They said they have checked every thing and not sure where to go from here. I would not leave it since it is going to be a beautiful week. So I guess they will be talking to Harley before I drop it back off.....

kbiforce · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2010, 10:15:23 PM »

I also have a 2004 SEEG that I am having issues with. Speakers cut out and distort at low volume. Radio or CD playing. CD skips also. Won't do it sitting in garage. The cutting out seems to be RPM related. When it happens going down the road, if I pull in the clutch and let the engine go to idle, the problem seems to go away. Custardglide, tell me more about the starter relay problem you had. Cobaltblue, this sound close to what you have? Maybe it's just the blue/black ones that have problems. Ha!

Harleypingman · « **Reply #12 on:** March 19, 2010, 12:20:13 PM »

Radio Sound (HD's vendor of radios pre-'06 model year) phone no.: (502) 267-6768; ask for customer service; John.

martys · « **Reply #13 on:** March 19, 2010, 12:35:45 PM »

Quote from: Harleypingman on March 19, 2010, 12:20:13 PM

Radio Sound (HD's vendor of radios pre-'06 model year) phone no.: (502) 267-6768; ask for customer service; John.

I had trouble with my Radio Sound on my 2000 SERG a few months ago, it turned out to be a bad ground. I had called John at Radio Sound and he walked me through finding the problem and helped me fix it right over the phone. Give him a call, it is some of the best service you will ever recieve.

Marty

custardglide · « **Reply #14 on:** March 19, 2010, 02:41:59 PM »

Yeah, what he said, John at Radio Sound is one TOP man, he walked me through my problem also which was sound cutting out under acceleration, he said "Make sure the battery clamp is'nt touching the relay, and if that does'nt cure it, your starter relay is going down" it did'nt cure it so the dealer fitted new starter relay and hey presto, NO more cuttin out, it's been good now for over 3 years, not saying this is your problem OR cure, but for the sake of a few bucks for a relay it's worth a try, I always carry a spare relay with me now (if you've owned a shovel, you'll know why, LOL) Let me know how you go on, Ady

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 14, 2010, 06:59:38 PM »

Well. the dealer called me today and left a message for me to call him ASAP. I called him and the first thing out of his mouth is we have made a discovery and your not going to believe this chit.... I am thinking okay what did they miss.

He proceeded to tell me they had the bike up on the table and had it throttled up and they stereo was cutting out BAD. They unplugged the voltage regulator and the radio cleared up perfectly. The tech proceeded to install a new voltage regulator, when they fired it up and throttled it up the stereo again started breaking up badly. When they unpluged the VR again it stopped. He claims they plugged it back in and while the stereo was cutting out they disconnected the battery, at that point the radio cleared out again. The dealer tested the battery and found no problem, they went ahead and installed a NEW battery and everything worked perfectly on the table and on road test.

Now I troubleshoot equipment every day, day in and day out. I can not seem to grasp for the life of me what would cause this. I do not yet have a complete schematic on the bike but this does seem to baffle me.....

Anybodyt have any thought?

?

custardglide · « **Reply #16 on:** April 15, 2010, 02:39:28 PM »

Battery, going down, starter relays going down, it seems that if you have a problem with the stereo something is going down, thanks for the heads up, it's just another thing to check if the stereo goes awry, beats shelling out for a new stereo unit

, GLAD you got it sorted Ady

grc · « **Reply #17 on:** April 15, 2010, 03:01:11 PM »

I find it almost impossible to believe that a battery would screw up the radio, but not the much more sophisticated electronic engine management systems. Need one of the stereo guru's to 'splain that one.

Jerry

martys · « **Reply #18 on:** April 15, 2010, 06:36:01 PM »

My question is "if the battery tested ok why did the sealership think you needed a new one " could it have been just a bad connection that was causing the problem

Marty

grc · « **Reply #19 on:** April 15, 2010, 07:05:25 PM »

Quote from: martys on April 15, 2010, 06:36:01 PM

My question is "if the battery tested ok why did the sealership think you needed a new one " could it have been just a bad connection that was causing the problem

Marty

EXACTLY!

Jerry

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 15, 2010, 08:39:14 PM »

The only thing I can think of is if the plates inside had broke loose causing contact of the plates at a certain vpm frequency. THe battery was original and I didn't have to pay for it since this is all covered by the extended warranty. I have paid the deductable on the first go round. If this doesnt correct the problem it will be back again. They have a few more things to do that I requested so I should be able to pick it up Friday.

roadrunner · « **Reply #21 on:** August 29, 2010, 09:04:06 AM »

I've got the same problem, radio/CD breaking up when the engine is running. If I pull the clutch in sound is clear. I put a new battery in last fall. I have had this problem off/on since I've had the bike and the dealer was no help.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 30, 2010, 11:06:53 AM »

They put a battery in mine and it did solve the problem for a while. When it starts acting up I take the battery connections loose and scrape and re tighten.This has been a very weird problem and I am a tech that knows schematics very well. Last time it happened I cleaned the main positive cable at the starter and it solved it.

Just baffling to say the least....

roadrunner · « **Reply #23 on:** August 30, 2010, 11:15:20 AM »

Quote from: cobaltblueultra2004 on August 30, 2010, 11:06:53 AM

They put a battery in mine and it did solve the problem for a while. When it starts acting up I take the battery connections loose and scrape and re tighten.This has been a very weird problem and I am a tech that knows schematics very well. Last time it happened I cleaned the main positive cable at the starter and it solved it.

Just baffling to say the least....

May be a ground issue, I have seen this it past posts. I've got new thicker battery cables to install. I'll change these out first and see if that corrects the issue.
Thanks and ride safe.

VANAMAL · « **Reply #24 on:** August 30, 2010, 07:17:10 PM »

im in the same boat and i keep reading that the starter relay can jack the radio. im getting one at least its not to pricey

Jock · « **Reply #25 on:** August 30, 2010, 10:59:31 PM »

My third replacement as of yesterday...So many potential issues that cause these events...

roadrunner · « **Reply #26 on:** September 01, 2010, 01:33:57 PM »

Quote from: VANAMAL on August 30, 2010, 07:17:10 PM

im in the same boat and i keep reading that the starter relay can jack the radio. im getting one at least its not to pricey

Would you have a part number?

Garznhogs · « **Reply #27 on:** October 10, 2010, 09:25:22 PM »

Got my pumpkin March 2006 (2,500 miles) and my radio has always cut out at above half-volume while riding. Parked, I can crank it all the way up. Took the radio out, gave it to my dealer for warranty repair (in June 2006). Another CVOHarley member gave me his as he was going with Sony. Well, his does the same thing, so it's not the radio. Dealer was never able to duplicate the issue, and I didn't want them to keep messing with it.

I've been thinking it's a ground issue under the fairing for some time, but just haven't pulled it. And now I see other things to check. Could well be a power issue. I've emailed John at Radio Sound when I was looking (story below) for my radio, maybe I'll call him.

Want a laugh?... the dealer LOST the radio I gave them for warranty return, Radio Sound has no record of it, and dealer doesn't intend to replace it. Two years later they gave me an HK, saying it was mine! I really hate to get a lawyer involved that would cost me more than the radio. Last year they accidentally ordered a brand new one for me, and I saw dealer cost was $950+-. I didn't manage to actually get my paws on the radio since the service mgr saw the invoice first and made it disappear. Pretty funny, huh. And after I went to the Regional manager to get my "Detonator" peeling wheels replaced, the dealer svc mgr now says "Hey, I got you new wheels... isn't that enough?"

Oh well, life's too short.

:-jerry

SHRADER · « **Reply #28 on:** October 13, 2010, 04:22:52 PM »

Mine did the breaking up thing last year. We eventually figured out that the antenna base was loose and that the antenna had gone bad. New antenna and tightened base-no more problem.

Regards
SHRADER

roadrunner · « **Reply #29 on:** March 25, 2011, 09:51:51 AM »

Quote from: roadrunner on August 30, 2010, 11:15:20 AM

May be a ground issue, I have seen this it past posts. I've got new thicker battery cables to install. I'll change these out first and see if that corrects the issue.
Thanks and ride safe.

Between replacing battery cables, tightening and cleaning battery terminals, cleaning solenoid contacts Radio clipping issue is gone.
Ride safe!

Cvostu · « **Reply #30 on:** March 25, 2011, 10:25:36 PM »

The antenna can make that happen, like a bad ground,,, Check that too. Make sure its tightened down and connected properly.

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **Reply #31 on:** March 29, 2011, 02:04:35 PM »

Just got a call back from the dealer is Salisbury, I believe they have finally found the issue. There is a secondary wiring harness for the stereo to give you the option of running the tour pack with the amp and speakers installed on the pack. This is separate from the stock harness that has just the speakers in the fairing. They unplugged the optional harness and plugged into the stock harness and the problem vanished. Among other issues they did find loose grounds prior to the ride test that the dealer in Statesville over looked the first 3 times it was there to resolve this issue.

I will never use the dealer in Statesville again, from now on its Tilly's in Salisbury!!

spydglide · « **Reply #32 on:** March 29, 2011, 04:41:37 PM »

Quote from: cobaltblueultra2004 on March 29, 2011, 02:04:35 PM

I will never use the dealer in Statesville again, from now on its Tilly's in Salisbury!!

Never say 'never'. Chit happens sometimes to make you eat those words. just saying. spyder

TMElectric · « **Reply #33 on:** March 29, 2011, 08:59:15 PM »

I will never use the dealer in Statesville again, from now on its Tilly's in Salisbury!!

I say this EVERY time I go there. I like the parts department, just the service department just doesn't seem like they care.

Call me Cobaltblue, I will tell you stories over a beer and a ride since you are close to me. 704-902-2988

Travis

cobaltblueultra2004 · « **Reply #34 on:** March 29, 2011, 09:12:39 PM »

TME,

Will do, I work in Statesville anyway at Doosan/IR.

Jim

roadrunner · « **Reply #35 on:** June 27, 2011, 07:49:43 AM »

Quote from: cobaltblueultra2004 on March 29, 2011, 02:04:35 PM

Just got a call back from the dealer is Salisbury, I believe they have finally found the issue. There is a secondary wiring harness for the stereo to give you the option of running the tour pack with the amp and speakers installed on the pack. This is separate from the stock harness that has just the speakers in the fairing. They unplugged the optional harness and plugged into the stock harness and the problem vanished. Among other issues they did find loose grounds prior to the ride test that the dealer in Statesville over looked the first 3 times it was there to resolve this issue.

I will never use the dealer in Statesville again, from now on its Tilly's in Salisbury!!

Would you have any photos? I opened up the fairing and couldn't find what you are referring to.

Thanks!

roadrunner · « **Reply #36 on:** June 27, 2011, 02:44:32 PM »

Clipping noise came back, John at Radio sound suggested putting stock speakers back in. After replacing with stock speakers clipping noise is a little different now. New symptom now, with the radio off I can hear crackling noise from the speakers and it gets worse at higher RPM' nothing at idle. Awaiting return call from Radio sound.

Well even when the radio is off amplifier is still powered on, that is why I am still hearing noise.

Other items to check
Both battery cable ends for corrosion/loose connection.
Ground stud in front of battery.
Radio fuse (15 amp for CVO) at fuse box for corrision
voltage regulator for correct voltage output
Healthy charging system (already checked)

Gray harness connector at radio controls CVO, 4 speaker wires 3 power circuits (18 guage) spliced together somewhere to get the voltage the amplifier needs (12-15amps).

Black harness connector supplies ground (at ground stud infront of battery) and handle bar controls (stock electri glide) speaker connectors taped back.

Ride safe!

roadrunner · « **Reply #37 on:** June 29, 2011, 08:05:14 AM »

I unplugged the regulator output connector on the right frame rail below trans vent, and clipping stopped. Also noticed when turning the ignition switch from any of its positions I get static through the speakers.

Bike is still in warranty till end of July, I'll also have the front engine mount checked as well.

Ride safe!

Doc · « **Reply #38 on:** August 03, 2011, 03:14:52 PM »

It seems that I am one of these people too. I had the radio issue for a couple of years...any source, but only when moving. I could play it under half volume, but that really isn't very effective while moving. In the driveway, it always sounded great. I took it in for warranty repair, and it took 3 trips to finally get them to send it in. First time, they "couldn't reproduce" the issue...even though it was NEVER intermittent. I don't think they listened. They probably didn't even drive it. Second time, they "fixed" it, but a mile down the highway, I turned around and took it back. No improvement. Third time (this dealer is like 40 miles away from me) they sent it off to Radio Sound. Something worked, because it was fixed for my trip out west. This spring however, same issue again. Now, my warranty has expired, and Kutter H-D says sorry...Radio Sound supposedly told them 6-month warranty on repairs, so sorry. Apparently I'm screwed all the way around.

Any tips for me? Things I can check myself? I just sent an email to Radio Sound to see if they indeed won't stand behind their repair. I'm totally pissed about this mess. If they had figured it out the first couple of times...it maybe would have failed again in the warranty period, instead of just after.

roadrunner · « **Reply #39 on:** August 05, 2011, 09:02:59 AM »

Replacing the voltage regulator helped, but still clips a little, the volume control no longer has bass, treble function. John at radio sound suggested checking the connector on the radio harness and then replacing the volume control at the handle. He also suggested using a 4 ohm speaker as the amp outputs voltage is matched to the speaker, I am using hogtunes speakers and I think they are about 5.x ohms. If that doesn't help I'll bit the bullet and send the unit in for repair ($200) over the winter.

Ride safe!

roadrunner · « **Reply #40 on:** November 03, 2014, 04:24:23 PM »

Replaced Stator solved the issue.

Author Topic: Stereo breaking up (Read 13930 times)