Subwoofer issue

[AdventurePig]

Ok, so we installed a Quadratec replacement sub in place of our presumably factory sub that was in tatters. We did so carefully and it worked great for about 6-8 months.

• Now it’s intermittently on/off - mostly off, while we’re driving.
• The sound bar speakers and dash speakers all seem to be firing.
• When the sub IS on, (it’ll come on for about 15-20 seconds then cut back out) - it sounds just fine?

So far we have:

• Pulled the sub out, checked connections and overall condition - seemed fine
• Also pulled the factory sub and visual inspection led to no burned/obvious damage to components or wiring.

Maybe it’s a issue at the head unit? We’re running the 2004 factory head unit w/ grom audio Bluetooth module (that still works 100%, btw, still very stoked on it)

 

[Lucheska]

Sub amp going out? Pinched wire?

 

[AdventurePig]

Sub amp going out? Pinched wire?

I have no idea..haha. Do subs go intermittent, then fail?

 

[Zorba]

Sounds like the voice coil has been fried to the state of intermittency. Could be the amp too. What's the power rating of the sub and what's the power output of the amp?

 

[AdventurePig]

Sounds like the voice coil has been fried to the state of intermittency. Could be the amp too. What's the power rating of the sub and what's the power output of the amp?

I’m not sure? This is the one we got, i think.
(or very similar. sold as an OEM replacement)

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/replacement-center-console-subwoofer-jeep-wrangler-tj

 

[Lucheska]

I have no idea..haha. Do subs go intermittent, then fail?

Not sure... just brainstorming. Intermittent after working for months sounds like a bad connection or something failing.

 

[lBasket]

When I was into audio after high school, I had a cheap amp that would play my subs for a few seconds just fine then just shut off. It turned out to be overheating and thermal shutoff (too many watts at 0ohms).

Assuming qtecs sub is wired properly (big assumption?), how is it amplified? Stock amp failing in some way perhaps?

Although I'd be checking for loose connections very carefully before I barked up that tree, like others have said.