This is driving me nuts. When I turn on my stereo (JVC X50BT) while only on battery power, the stereo makes a slight hum which I think is fairly normal. When I turn on my stereo with the engine on, there is a slight buzz (that does not change in intensity) that remains as long as the stereo is on.

So far, I have tried checking the wiring (checking for loose connections) and that has not resolved the issue. The buzzing stops when I pull the RCA plugs out of the stereo or when I turn off the radio. The ground wire from the stereo is connected to the harness that links to the ground somewhere in the Lexus ES300.

What do I do to get rid of this annoying buzz?

JVC X50BT

 

It's easy actually

 

I've tried using Google for my specific problem. If I had found a solution specific to my issue, I wouldn't be posting. Thank you for your help though.

EDIT: I opened up the stereo and checked the connections again. There is no change. I also tried un-crimped the ground wire and tried to ground it to the nearest bolt. Even then, there was no change.

 

did you bother looking at the results? Each thread points to one solution; ground loop isolators.

 

Before I spent money, I wanted to confirm that it was truly the problem I'm experiencing. Is that wrong?

Is there any way I can confirm that it needs is the ground loop isolators without buying them? Does it explain why there is no noise when hooked to the battery and noise when the engine is on?

 

No on all accounts. But [again] if you would've sifted thru the results, 10/10 people 'fixed' the infamous humming with - you guessed it! GROUND LOOP ISOLATORS!!!1!

As a matter of fact, my STOCK deck on 'max' volume has the faint alternator noise coming thru the speakers.

 

I want to thank you for your time and knowledge. I'll be ordering them soon. I'm looking at some various ground loop isolators at difference amperage. Is higher better?

80 Amp Ground Loop Isolator from Ebay vs. 100 Amp vs. 30 Amp

EDIT: I hate to continue being a bother, but could it be a grounding problem with the radio itself? This thread claims that the radio itself is grounded by the bolts and the installation kit. I have a Scoche Installation Kit which is made of plastic. Perhaps this is the issue?

EDIT: Never mind, I realized I had already tried that when I hooked up the stereo ground wire directly to the chassis.