Very weird "problem"
 

I notice a strange noise from my radio when the volume is low. It kinda sounds like reception is bad, but the noise is the same when I listen to CD's. Sometimes the noise is there and sometimes it isn't.
I finally realized that the noise is there ONLY when the lights are turned on. I can turn the radio on, at very low volume and it's practically silent.. then turn the headlights on and BAM! Sounds like there's electricity flowing through the speakers!
Any thoughts as to what may be going on?
Thanks!

Does the "pitch" of the noise change with engine speed? Is this the factory stock radio or aftermarket? Has the noise always been there or did it just start happening?

Gut feel is that you could use an "noise reduction choke" in the power line. If you're comfortable dealing with electrical wiring, you can get a kit from Radio Shack and do it yourself. Otherwise, head for a car stereo place, let them hear the problem, and they can fix you up..

So that you know what they'll be putting in, check the examples here, about 1/2 way down the page:

http://www.radioshack.com/searchcat....s&sQryType=CAT
(cat #'s 270-030, 270-051 and 270-055)


Of course, if this is a brand new rig then the dealer should deal with this.


Good luck!

Mark

is it aftermarket or factory. if factory bring it to the dealer if not ill explain some possible problems. Chris

The rig is new with stock system.. 02 runner. Problem is, I hate my dealer. I do maintenance myself and I don't want to have to go there unless absolutely necessary. This "problem" is really no big deal. I just have to turn the radio up a bit. I really just wanted to have an idea of what could be causing this and the power explanation sounds pretty good.
Thanks!

but since it is stock
 

even though you do not like the stealer the electrical whine could be a sign of something bad with the electrical system. it should be still under warentee correct?
make sure all is well before it is too late.
David

This can also be happening if wires are not properly shieldied or grounded. I used to have stock audio in '01 4Runner and I didn't hear any extra noises at all, so I hardly doubt that adding a noise reduction module will eliminate the problem. I mean it might help a little, but won't eliminate it.

Take your 4Runner to the dealer and just ask them to diagnose the problem. It will be much cheaper and will save you hassle and time of fixing things yourself.

-- Andrey

I say if its under waranty take it to a dealer, Maybe try another one but its worth just having them write down theres a problem while its still under waranty in case you have problems in the future they can look up your complaint in there system. I have had things fixed outside of waranty cause I complained about it before and they said no problem found then latter I found the problem :D . So do it anyways get it in writting:readit:, It could be a simple head unit replacement too.

The sound you hear is probably the generator kicking in to supply juice. I've had that problem several times before and was able to solve it using a noise filter. You can buy them at any good caraudio shop and they filter the ripple of your battery voltage. This is caused by the AC current flowing through the diodes in the generator.
10 bucks worth of filtering will do the trick.

noise filter
 

for toyota to pay for!
If it is under warentee use the warentee.
I know if I spend my hard earned ´$$$ for the best , IT BETTER BE THE BEST!:readit:

good luck!
david

Good possability that there's something going bad in the factory amplifier or the head unit itself. My friends 01' had the same symptoms and the dealership took care of it under warranty.

Thanks, everyone! I guess I'll take it in, when I can. There's only one dealer "near" me (30 miles away) and I don't trust them one bit, but I guess I don't have a choice.

My aftermarket stereo does this... actually it's the amp's fault. It's a cheap amp so it accepts interferance from my alternator (which is why the high pitch sound changes with RPMS) very easily

but since yours is stock i would take it to the dealer

Do you still have the factory amps hooked up to your aftermarket deck and or aftermarket amps also? email or pm me I may be able to help fix you engine noise.

aftermarket everything

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...=0&cc=01&avf=N this is waht i need

i'm not worried about it though

Not that 10 bucks is alot but there may be something simpler and no money's to fix.

if you get noise in an aftermarket setup, check your ground connections.