sub-woofer/ amp. fix

[Kelly]

I just got finished fixing the sub-woofer on the marauder, I din't know if this will help many but this was what I found.

1. the ground screw was still covered in paint and the screw location was also paint covered, even the threads, cleaned both items.


2. and most importantly i found a 6 prong grey colored connection not made, one end coming from the back of the tray and I had to fish around behind the seat foam for the other end connected it a pushed the test #3 & #6 and sub sound.



3. and the foam sound material was still intack, had to remove it.


Thamnks to all on the board that helped me to find and solve this. :)

[Mark McQuaide]

What is this 3 and 6 I keep seeing? I didn't see anything in the manual about it.

[Macon Marauder]

That's how you test the radio: press and hold the number 3 and 6 presets.

[schuvwj]

Mark when you push the 3 and 6 radio station set buttons at the same time it starts a program in your radio that tests the right front, left front, right rear, left rear, and sub-woofer speakers separatly so you can determine if they are working properly.
I do'nt know if it is listed in your manual.

[Kelly]

it's a test to see if all the speakers and sub are working, push the # 3 and #6 preset radio buttions at the same time and it will do a self test if you have music from all speakers, sub-woofer I it is working, sub-woofer II is not a working item on the Marauder.

[Mark McQuaide]

Kool, thanks I'll try it.

[Andrew10AE]

That 6 pin connector is the only one to drive the subwoofer :) Power, ground, turn on, and audio... amazing that they forgot to plug that sucker in...

[WolfeBros]

Nice work Ked1976 !!
With the info on this great forum its amazing what we can do to our cars.

[FordNut]

The 3 and 6 button can also clear up the system if it gets "whacko". At least on my LS with the Alpine system I've seen it happen. The audio didn't seem to have any dynamic range, just kind of flat. My step-daughter, who works at an auto alarm and stereo shop told me about the 3 and 6 trick and it cleared up the system.

[schuvwj]

Finally my MM is going in the shop on Monday 1/13/03 for Amp. and sub-woofer replacement. I have been driving around for over a week with neither of them in the car and the radio needs some power. Will be good to here the new sub and amp. pump'n electrons!

You wait, it will only turn out to be the ground wire! Forgot to tell them about that before they ordered a new amp and woofer assy.

Also going to have them adjust the trany shift cable, only had the problem shifting into 4th once but going to have them check it anyway. Oil and filter change also. 3,000 miles.

[Kelly]

My ground screw behind the seat had two wires attached to it, I would mention it to them just to make sure that the non-amp. wire gets it's proper ground as well.

[Mike M]

I did the 3-6 thingy and found my sub woofer #2 is not working. What do I do???
Thank
Mike

[Kelly]

Sub-woofer #2 is not a working part of this car

[schuvwj]

Mike the MM is not equiped with a sub-woofer#2. It only has a sub-woofer #1.

[looking97233]

I had said that my sub was causing the package shelf rattle in one of the eariler posts. The dealer fixed it nicely. They filled the space around the subwoffer port between the package shelf (steel) and the package shelf (vehicle interior) with sound deading material. Works great, all vibration is gone. I can still cause some distoration by turning the base all the way up at loud volume levels. A local car audio shop said he could could replace the driver in the subwoffer enclosure with a higher qualiatly one, which should reduce this. After that if the problem is still present he said he could replace the stock amp on the subwoffer enclosure with a bettwer qualiatly/ more powerful one. Everything to be done by perlacing stock parts in the stock locations, and still looking stock. Which from my .02, everyone knows I like.

[schuvwj]

Took my MM in to the dealer today 1/18/2003, for the thrid time trying to resolve the sub-woofer rattling. They stuffed some MORE foam around the sub-woofer and said it was better but not gone.

When I asked when the dealer was planning to get it fixed they informed me that FORD did not have a fix on their computer and I must wait until the proper fix comes from FORD!

The shop manager said I should ask him everytime I come in for an oil change to see if Ford has do***ented a fix on their computer.

Sounds like a good plan if I didn't pay $32,000 for a this car, did I buy a UGO or what!!!!!!!!!! :po:

Do anyone have any ideas? :help:

[RCSignals]

You could call Mercury customer service and ask them why they don't have a fix do***ented yet I guess

[SergntMac]

Bill...can you call me at my office tomorrow? Sunday, 1/19/03? I'm at 312.745.5207, from 6 Am to 2 PM, and I have a few questions for you regarding this problem. I'll be there Monday, 1/20/03, same hours too.

[schuvwj]

Originally posted by SergntMac
Bill...can you call me at my office tomorrow? Sunday, 1/19/03? I'm at 312.745.5207, from 6 Am to 2 PM, and I have a few questions for you regarding this problem. I'll be there Monday, 1/20/03, same hours too.

Will Do!

[Reaper948]

Originally posted by looking97233
I had said that my sub was causing the package shelf rattle in one of the eariler posts. The dealer fixed it nicely. They filled the space around the subwoffer port between the package shelf (steel) and the package shelf (vehicle interior) with sound deading material. Works great, all vibration is gone. I can still cause some distoration by turning the base all the way up at loud volume levels. A local car audio shop said he could could replace the driver in the subwoffer enclosure with a higher qualiatly one, which should reduce this. After that if the problem is still present he said he could replace the stock amp on the subwoffer enclosure with a bettwer qualiatly/ more powerful one. Everything to be done by perlacing stock parts in the stock locations, and still looking stock. Which from my .02, everyone knows I like.

Did you remove that foam material that wasn't suppose to be there?

[schuvwj]

Originally posted by Reaper948
Did you remove that foam material that wasn't suppose to be there?

No, the dealer has added foam around the sub-woofer twice and it still rattles.

[looking97233]

On mine the dealer did not install foam, they installed some sticky black stuff, might be urathine sealeant to hold the packing shelf to the steel under it. Thus preventing the packing shelf from moving/vibrating.

[Reaper948]

well isnt there some piece of plastic theyre sposed to take out when they deliver that stuff to us?!?!........

[Beadhead]

Bill, I think there must be something wrong/missing with the build on your setup. I can't get mine to virate, even with the bass cranked on good ol rock n'roll CD's. Since mine's a later build w/TC, they seem to have solved the shake rattle n'roll probs at the factory so they should B able to do the same with yours. IMHO

[schuvwj]

Can anyone tell me if you can here your sub-woofer #1 when checking your radio speakers by pushing the 3 & 6 at the same time?

All I here is a very low soft muffle.

Does your sub-woofer #1 make more sound?

Thanks!

[Reaper948]

Well.....my sub makes a lot of sound,,,,,I put it on rap/hip hop stations or Jazz stations to test it out....you need high bass content to test it.......I dont know what you listen to on the radio but...it needs to have high bass

[schuvwj]

Originally posted by Reaper948
Well.....my sub makes a lot of sound,,,,,I put it on rap/hip hop stations or Jazz stations to test it out....you need high bass content to test it.......I dont know what you listen to on the radio but...it needs to have high bass

Thanks Reaper948, I always listen to Rock and Roll or Bob and Tom in the mornings were the bass is usually pretty strong. I'll try a different station!

Thanks Again!

[schuvwj]

Took my back seat out to look at the sub-woofer in the rear deck after my dealer had worked on it three times and replaced the sib-woofer and amplifier.

I cleaned the paint under the ground wires, (had two wires on one screw on right side) and looked under my rear deck and they had not removed the black rubber/foam cover over the sub-woofer. No wonder I could not here it when listening to radio stations and it sounded very muffled.

Under the black rubber/foam cover there is a one inch thick peice of foam that fits inside the sub-woofer do I leave this in?

Wow what a difference! Sounds great!

I wonder why the dealer didn't have the knowledge to remove this after working on three times????????

Wonder what I should do? I feel like taking this foam and shove it somewhere up the dealers a__??

Really makes me mad when you want it fixed right we have to do it our selves!

I would like to thank everyone for the help on this website!!!!!!!! Too bad the dealer doesn't read this site also or maybe he's too busy pulling from his a__!

[Kelly]

leave the foam in th sub-woofer, it will help the vib. and keep it from rattling if junk gets into the woofer.

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by schuvwj

Really makes me mad when you want it fixed right we have to do it our selves!

I would like to thank everyone for the help on this website!!!!!!!! Too bad the dealer doesn't read this site also or maybe he's too busy pulling from his a__!

Bill: I believe this was referred to in another post; it's called rectal-cranial inversion... :shake:

The yard punk that works part-time at Circuit City selling car stereos probably got your job... :rasta:

[mensrea]

Has anyone considered replacing the stock factory sub that came with this car? I changed all my speakers (cept the sub) to Infinity Kappas and I can't begin to tell you the difference, can't help but wonder if the sub swap would help as well. Anyone done it yet?

[jefferson-mo]

I'm certainly thinkin' about it. I pulled my package tray off and found the rubber piece covering the sub. It sounds better without it but could sound a heck of a LOT better. But keep in mind that it's only 6" so I'd say we're lucky it sounds as good as it does.
I'm seriously thinking of an upgrade to a 10" sub but don't know about the box or amp........................... ........

we'll see :banana2:

[mensrea]

Uh Oh, only a six... that means we would have to rip the entire box down and try to jam another one in there... maybe it sounds OK the way it is. The only thing more expensive than speed is sound.

[martyo]

mensrea:

Did the Kappas bolt right up? Which models did you use? I love the sound of those speakers. I have a set now. Plus my friend's 20 year old son approves of them.......Need I say more?

[looking97233]

Not to be rude but, the factory sub is a 10" unit. The whole box, driver, and amp are made by Panasonic. I have talked with a decent audio shop in my area. They say they can replace the driver with a unit that is much higher quality and a higher power rating also. If that dosen't satisify, they say they can also replace the amp with a more powerful one, but if you go too big you'll have to add a power wire as the 12ga. existing wire can only handle so much.

[joflewbyu2]

FACT: factory sub is 6.75" round. rear speakers are 6x8 and fronts are 6x8. i changed mine today. got kenwood kfc 6808c 3 way 6x8s for both the front and rear. rear grills pop off and 4 screws hold each speaker to the metal shelf. INTERESTING NOTE: YOU CAN SLIDE YOUR FINGERS UNDER THE CARPETED SHELF FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OPENING AFTER YOU REMOVE THE GRILL AND CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR FOAM WAS LEFT IN ABOVE THE 6.75" SUB SPEAKER. yes mine was there. i was able to ease my long fingers in and grab it out. it was 1" thick and about 6" x 6". made a huge difference in bass output. let me say it again, made a huge difference in bass output. the kenwoods are crystal clear (separate woofer, midrange and tweeter).

[Reaper948]

Huge difference?!?! oh maaaan
So I just unscrew the rear speaker that the sub is under and i can reach for that silly foam piece?

[joflewbyu2]

stanleyk, I used the kenwood kfc-6808c instead of the kenwood excelon for several reasons: 1) the regular kenwood has poly cones (mica filled plastic) versus the excelon's treated fiber pulp paper cones . i believe the plastic are better in a harsh environment of doors and water. 2) 3 way with separate mid and tweeter versus the 2 way excelon's sepate tweeter for greater detail. 3) price $69 each pair versus $139 each pair - saving $140 for both pairs. Did you replace your speakers yet?

[martyo]

Joe:

No, not yet. I don't get the car until TuesdaY (thought i would have it today....don't ask!!).

I am planning ahead and good tunes are an important part of the ride for me.

Still toying with going the next step to the Kenwood 688's though. I'll let you know what I do.

Did you need any special tools to do the door speakers (i.e. trim tools, etc.)? Again, in the planning ahead mode, I want to have everything I need.

Thanks!!

[TheMoor]

I replaced my whole sub unit, check the four (4) bolts that hold the whole unit up to the rear dash board in the trunk, two are visible next to the amplifer one to the left by the rear left speaker and the other to the right behind near the spare tire. Use a rachett set. 22mm size if I remember correctly. The Black Moor.

[94_302]

Can anyone post any pics or give a good description as to where the ground is for the sub/amp?

[HwyCruiser]

Can anyone post any pics or give a good description as to where the ground is for the sub/amp?

The amp ground is behind the rear seat back. I found a couple of pics that I took during my subwoofer project way back when. The out of focus one shows the general location if you squint really hard.

[Dan19063]

[quote=jefferson-mo;12215]I'm certainly thinkin' about it. I pulled my package tray off and found the rubber piece covering the sub. It sounds better without it but could sound a heck of a LOT better. But keep in mind that it's only 6" so I'd say we're lucky it sounds as good as it does.
I'm seriously thinking of an upgrade to a 10" sub but don't know about the box or amp........................... ........

we'll see :banana2:[/quote

This may sound dumb, but what is the package tray? And how do you remove it to check for the rubber piece over the sub? Do you have to take out the back seat or can you access it from the trunk? Does any one have any pics of this procedure.

[shawn744]

anyone found a fix for the subwoofer rattle? I pulled out my shelf and i will do it again next week for my speaker install....i want to know what to do....i'm really missing out on good bass cuz of this stupid sub. I will jam a lot of foam and stuff in there but.....what the hell....what did u guys do? short of replacement......lol. :) thanks. -Shawn

[fastblackmerc]

The rattle can also be caused by the wires running under the package shelf. Tape everything down.

[Vortex]

Im waiting til later this year to take my car in for warranty to get this fixed on mine. To me it doesnt sound like a sub-woofer problem, it sounds like the package tray is vibrating and needs to be remounted with better insulation/tape/whatever. Im going to have them fix that and the rattle inside my front passenger door that is driving me nuts.

[Dan19063]

Have not gotten any responses to my post wondering if any one could help out.

This may sound dumb, but what is the package tray? And how do you remove it to check for the rubber piece over the sub? Do you have to take out the back seat or can you access it from the trunk? If you have to take out the back seat how do you go about doing this, any tricks? Does any one have any pics of this procedure.

[Dan19063]

Still no takers on the the question above?:help:

[Dragcity]

Dan,

The package tray is the rear dash, under the rear window.

There is an easier way....

Get itn the trunk, remove your spare, and only four nuts hold the amp and sub in one piece. It drops right out. Disconnect the wiring harness and take it to the workshop to fix what you want.

I left the grey foam on top of the woofer. I did remove the woofer and add some foam to the box and some mounting surfaces. Four screws hold the woofer in the box.

I belive the vibrations are due to improper seating of various components. When you get it apart, you will see what I mean. I think the back dash cover, being stamped rigid material, may be a culprit as well. I stuffed a little foam in there too.

My problem is solved.

Consider doing it from the trunk, I don't like fussing with the interior much....

Hope this helps.

By the way, the foam I used was purchased at a fabric store, it is 1/2" thick.