front door speaker problems

[Destrii1]

Hi.
I apologize for not keeping abreast of this thread. I usually don't have anything new much to report and I am only aware of someone posting to this thread when Yahoo sends me an email about it. Once again, I apologize.

To answer your question, I don't understand the speaker terminology you speak of so I don't/didn't know there could be a difference somehow/somewhere.

I bought the Pioneer TS-G1644R front door set of speakers. Maybe you can use this information to track down what you need to know and let me know (explain) about that difference you mention. You make me wonder if you think it still could be a speaker problem.

I am still ongoing to let the Stereo Shop install the JVC touchscreen navigation unit. I have set up an appointment with them in a couple of weeks to proceed with this. Until then....(I'll probably have a lot more questions!!).

 

[emperorjj1]

the reason im asking is because if you have the stock amplified system the amplifier may be broken... that could throw a wrench in the whole thing

 

[cobaltblue]

I believe you will be wasting your money on a new deck, I have replaced the deck in mine and have the same issue with the passenger side. Have not had enough time to investigate but I do believe it is the wiring between the speaker and the deck. As for that increasing sound and such that you hear when making the engine work harder that is due to the often crappy wiring that is throughout any Cobalt. The increased work from the engine requires higher energy from the battery. In other words, it is simply a power surge.

 

[Destrii1]

Yes, I agree about the higher energy from the battery during acceleration (power surge). That's what I was trying to say but words utterly failed me to describe it.

Stock amplified system? I would bet that everything about my car is factory. I bought it used and have really had no major (and few minor) problems with it. You are scaring me in that you suspect something deeper is wrong that the Stereo Shop may not be able to find or correct when they put my new unit in. I apologize....what you are saying may be simple to you but what you have said about the amplifier kinda lost me.

Bad wiring? That is disheartening. The Stereo Shop said they would check all my wiring as they install my new unit. I did mention this to them once already and they nodded. I can certainly insist and bring up this matter with them again that they need to do a really thorough check on my wiring. They do work for my local Chevrolet dealership. I would like to think they are reputable.

Sounds like you guys are suggesting I proceed with caution. I thank you for that. But I really don't know what else to do but try and go forward and bring this to Stereo Shop's attention and let them know that there is a possibility that after the unit is installed, things may not still be right and ask them what my options are if that happens.

If it's bad wiring? Well, let me see what they say about that beforehand and I'll let you know.

Thanks. I am trying to understand amplifiers and wiring and what all you all are trying to tell me.

 

[emperorjj1]

i don't remember reading anything about increasing sound but generally that will be a ground loop. Technically the battery is somewhat a filter as electrical noise is pretty much made by the alternator. Also when the car is running the battery doesnt do all that much. or shouldn't the alternator should be doing all the heavy lifting with the battery just providing support.

I used to work at a shop so im just thinking of what could be wrong prior to you going in there. Ultimately a good shop can fix your problem regardless of what it is HOWEVER theres no such thing as a free lunch so im trying to prepare you for the best or worst case scenario. If you have the base system even if the wiring is bad replacing it sucks but is doable and should be relatively inexpensive if needed. However if you have the amplified system and the amp happens to be bad then it will need to be replaced with a stock amp or replaced with an aftermarket amp or removed and all stock speakers replaced (you said the fronts are aftermarket but not sure on the rears).

The easiest way for you to tell if you have the upgraded stock system is if you have tweeters on the door that says pioneer. Or if you have a sub on the back (rear speakers will say pioneer as well) you could also look under the steering column to see if you have the amp. Lastly the pioneer system could only come with power windows. so if you have manual windows then you do not have the premium stock system.

---------- Post added at 01:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:38 AM ----------

I just want to ensure you are prepared in case any other costs come forward. generally its cheaper/easier to do it all at once and if they are going to be in there troubleshooting anyway having an extra cushion of money will ensure you can get it all done. Lastly its quite obvious you are pretty noob on all this stuff. Don't bring anything to the shops attention other than the problems you are experiencing with the speakers. Hopefully you are dealing with straightforward moral people but if your not you don't want to sound like/be a target.

 

[Destrii1]

Thanks.

My appointment is tomorrow. I am going to bring this to their attention. I have already mentioned this 'amplified' chat to them and once more they said they would look it over during the installation.

I am going to show them this info, too, as you all describe it better in writing than I can speak it verbally to them. Maybe I'll then be in much better understanding about what all may go wrong (or not) in time-and what to do about it-now and/or later.

My mechanic friend says he know of the Stereo Shop and they do excellent work, he says. That's another good review for these guys.

I'll let you know. Thanks.

 

[Destrii1]

Hi.
I had an email change recently and was not receiving any notices of postings. I am having to slowly get around to informing everyone of my new emails.

Anyway, the JVC GPS navigation unit is installed. I have been learning to use it for about two weeks now and I am happy with it. They told me that the unit would bypass the stock amplifiers some one mentioned in this thread. I admit I still don't fully understand how it all bypasses or it all works but so far, I am finding I can adjust the loudness for each individual speaker and achieve a balance that pleases me. I still have yet to find time to play with the equalizer and get all the bass and treble tonal qualities to my likes.

It's like having a small computer in your dash.

I have had one minor glitch with it concerning the door chime. One morning, after a dreary, wet weekend, I was going to work and when I opened the door of my car, the door chime was playing double-time beeps and the beeps sounded blurred together. Normally, the door chime is single quick beeps.

I put the key in the ignition and turned it to turn on the unit, without cranking the car. The unit came on. The door chime still was sounding the same bad way. I took the key out and the unit stayed on. It shouldn't have. I then tried the key again, (in, turn key to turn on unit, and off and out of the ignition) and this time the unit went off-as it is supposed to. But the door chime was still bad.

Later that day when I got off work, I tried it all again and everything was back to normal-including the door chime. I told the Stereo Shop about it and all they could really say was keep an eye on it and let them know if it happens again. Could damp weather have played a role in this glitch? Or a spike in the car battery? I'm guessing here.

Anyway, so far, so good with it all.

 

[emperorjj1]

ya it probably wouldn't have been affected by the speaker itself but possibly damp weather or voltage issue with the harness. Either way i wouldn't be too worried about just that

 

[songsj]

I have same problem with the drivers side front not working. Just one more reason to buy something other than GM my next time around.

 

[emperorjj1]

any speaker will blow if you abuse it

 

[YelloEye]

I have same problem with the drivers side front not working. Just one more reason to buy something other than GM my next time around.

You've been here a day and posted nothing but complaints about the car. Go trade it in for a Honda. We get that the car isn't flawless, but you don't have to bash GM at every opportunity.

 

[songsj]

Listen you are 28 and I'm 57, I've driven GM cars for longer than you have lived. There are 2 in my driveway and one in my garage right now. This is the first one that has made me so unhappy that I'm thinking about switching brands. My what one of the other forum members here calls " stealership " has been little or no help. I am going to take it there and give them one more chance to keep me as a customer. They don't know it but they will be auditioning for my future business. Your right I posted 5 years worth of complaints in one day. I sincerely hope I don't need to post any new ones in the future. I would not have added to these threads if they were not already there. Thank you so much for the warm welcome.

 

[YelloEye]

Listen you are 28 and I'm 57, I've driven GM cars for longer than you have lived. There are 2 in my driveway and one in my garage right now. This is the first one that has made me so unhappy that I'm thinking about switching brands. My what one of the other forum members here calls " stealership " has been little or no help. I am going to take it there and give them one more chance to keep me as a customer. They don't know it but they will be auditioning for my future business. Your right I posted 5 years worth of complaints in one day. I sincerely hope I don't need to post any new ones in the future. I would not have added to these threads if they were not already there. Thank you so much for the warm welcome.

Cheers. Great intro thread. Now quit being a prick.

If you want help with you car ask, but if you're here just to complain nobody likes a whiner. The Cobalt was built a budget car in one of GM's slumps, there have been ones before it, and ones from other companies as well. I had minor issues from the last 2 Cobalts, and the same with my current one. I'm collectively around 200k mi between the three, my first I traded at 90k, the second was traded with the first at ~20k for my third, which is currently at 91k. I haven't had any major issues that I'm not willing to overlook.

 

[songsj]

YelloEye, thank you for your reply. You crack me up!!! Your Cobalt resume reminds me of a person I used to work with that told me she had been married for 20 years. I was surprised as I was sure she had mentioned to me some weeks prior that she was going somewhere with her boyfriend. When I asked her about it she said," I have been married for 20 years but not to the same guy, I've been married 3 times!"
When I was your age I knew everything too, in 30 years you will feel differently about a lot of things. I'm sorry you have a hard time accepting that not every brand loyal GM owner feels exactly as you do. As tempting as it may be to continue this verbal sparring match with you, I have got to concede the match as I will never reach almost 6000 posts. I have too much to do and a life to live. Unhappy as I am with my Cobalt, it still is just "a car" Best wishes.

 

[YelloEye]

YelloEye, thank you for your reply. You crack me up!!! Your Cobalt resume reminds me of a person I used to work with that told me she had been married for 20 years. I was surprised as I was sure she had mentioned to me some weeks prior that she was going somewhere with her boyfriend. When I asked her about it she said," I have been married for 20 years but not to the same guy, I've been married 3 times!"
When I was your age I knew everything too, in 30 years you will feel differently about a lot of things. I'm sorry you have a hard time accepting that not every brand loyal GM owner feels exactly as you do. As tempting as it may be to continue this verbal sparring match with you, I have got to concede the match as I will never reach almost 6000 posts. I have too much to do and a life to live. Unhappy as I am with my Cobalt, it still is just "a car" Best wishes.

I'm not trying to say that I know everything, or even everything about this chassis. I'm not specifically brand loyal, I just really enjoy the car and the small community we have. If I had it all to do again I'd of probably gone with a Solstice GXP Coupe, but then I was rather short sighted 4 years ago and thought turbo FWD was a great idea

Anyway, I was taking this conversation entirely too serious. It's the internet after all.

I hope the rest of your stay goes smoother.

 

[emperorjj1]

looks like i am late to the party but looking at speakers to determine a cars "value" or really anything about the car is a poor decision. Honestly how many car manufactures are defined by their speakers? In most cases you are lucky to over pay for a 3rd party (bose, pioneer, rockford fosgate ect) upgraded system

 

[songsj]

I would say you are right if we were talking about the quality of the speaker but my and many others problem is that the drivers front speaker just stop working and some who have upgraded theirs had the new speaker not work as well or work for a little while and then stop. Some have been told it's a radio problem because some of the warning chimes use the drivers speaker. I've not had mine looked at because I'm not going to spend 200.00 to have it replaced and then find out it may be the radio. I have a fancy radio in my Camaro, this is my daily driver and it is all about cost and reliability.

 

[YelloEye]

Perhaps it has more to do with the vibration of closing the door or maybe water damage? They aren't real high quality speakers.

You could always pull the speaker out of the door and hook it up to another stereo to test it. The wires by connecting another stereo.

 

[emperorjj1]

the speakers in my new 07 run just fine. cant say how long my first ones would have lasted as i ripped them out within the first few months

also if you are all for cheap and reliable not sure why you would spend 200 to get them replaced. you can easily get a cheap pair of speakers for 25.00 or so, and a more reliable set for 100 or so labor shouldnt be costing 100 bucks and if you have some time you could probably do it yourself

 

[songsj]

If I take it to a dealer they charge around 120.00 hr for labor. I think the factory speaker is around 50.00, add tax and their shop supplies etc and your at 200.00. I read on another site where a guy had his replaced at a dealer and it was 200.00. That's how I came up with the price. When I was a young guy I used to enjoy fixing my cars and I can't count how many repairs I've made on cars over the past 40 years. At almost 58 years old I'm just tired of working on cars and I'm not nearly as patient as when I was young. I can afford to have my cars worked on and don't mind paying a fair price for work done but it seems every time I bring a car in for something the service writer comes walking into the waiting room with his clipboard and I know I'm about to get reamed. Their favorites are your transmission needs flushing, 180.00, your cooling system needs flushing 159.95, you need a new air filter, around 25.00, you really should have your throttle body cleaned 139.95. Geez how about just fixing what I came in for. Oh that "we couldn't find the problem,everything looks okay". I swear these guys have a 500.00 cover charge. I rarely get out for less than that. I may take a look at the speaker myself when it warms up. I'm not crazy about pulling the door panel with the power locks etc. I did see a video on you tube and it looks doable, just kind of a pain. Thanks.