Could have been very embarrassing... found bass rattle issue

[F&D]

I paid big bucks for the Alpine sound system.

At 2000 miles it developed a bass rattle.

Man was I pissed! So I did a search and read about all the causes. Today I went looking for a general area to narrow it down because new a dealership would be unable to take care of such a technical problem.

This is what I found, a piece of paper stuck to the bass speaker behind the back seat. I am so glad I didn't make an ass out of myself... Again ?

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[AZJT]

Just an FYI - I also notice a rattle when I have the rear sliding window open and I crank the Alpine system, especially songs with much bass. It took me a while to identify it at first, but once I learned that's what it was, I learned to not leave the rear window open as much.

 

[ricky0018]

Wish I had your problem. . . .stock stereo is a joke.

 

[Sprouter13]

Just an FYI - I also notice a rattle when I have the rear sliding window open and I crank the Alpine system, especially songs with much bass. It took me a while to identify it at first, but once I learned that's what it was, I learned to not leave the rear window open as much.

Same here! Going to try to figure out something this summer to make that stop.

 

[dcmdon]

If I hear a rattle, I go to YouTube and pull up a tone sweep video. It starts at like 15hz and slowly runs up to 20khz. Its a great way to sweep a room or a car for buzzes or rattles.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

You’re right, there’s no way they could have found it and you’d be ok.

 

[F&D]

If I hear a rattle, I go to YouTube and pull up a tone sweep video. It starts at like 15hz and slowly runs up to 20khz. Its a great way to sweep a room or a car for buzzes or rattles.

That's a great piece of knowledge, thanks for sharing!

 

[Kevin_D]

If I hear a rattle, I go to YouTube and pull up a tone sweep video. It starts at like 15hz and slowly runs up to 20khz. Its a great way to sweep a room or a car for buzzes or rattles.

There are audio-only sweep files available, too.
Stick it on a thumb drive and play it back without having to have video.

Kevin

 

[Bonanza]

Wish I had your problem. . . .stock stereo is a joke.

I've owned a LOT of cars over the years- BMW(s), Porsche, Ford(s), VW, Jeep(s), Toyota. I can confidently say the JT premium audio is a pretty damn good factory system.

 

[DBravo]

I paid big bucks for the Alpine sound system.

At 2000 miles it developed a bass rattle.

Man was I pissed! So I did a search and read about all the causes. Today I went looking for a general area to narrow it down because new a dealership would be unable to take care of such a technical problem.

This is what I found, a piece of paper stuck to the bass speaker behind the back seat. I am so glad I didn't make an ass out of myself... Again ?

Had a similar experience with the premium alpine system in my '20 JT. The Torx bit had slipped out of the tool kit and was rattling around in the plastic molded tray next to the sub. I was looking at infinity aftermarket speakers before I discovered the cause...?

 

[ricky0018]

I've owned a LOT of cars over the years- BMW(s), Porsche, Ford(s), VW, Jeep(s), Toyota. I can confidently say the JT premium audio is a pretty damn good factory system.

I agree. The Overland I test drove had it and I loved it. The max tow I ended up purchasing didn't have it and I regret settling.

I've read on here that there are some inexpensive plug and play kicker replacements under the Dodge Dart name that improve it. Might go that route this summer.

 

[dcmdon]

There are audio-only sweep files available, too.
Stick it on a thumb drive and play it back without having to have video.

Kevin

I have a sweep CD that I got years ago that could easily be copied to a thumb drive.

But the reality is that for most people, pulling it up on YouTube on their phone and connecting with Bluetooth is easier.

They all work.

 

[DenverBob]

I've owned a LOT of cars over the years- BMW(s), Porsche, Ford(s), VW, Jeep(s), Toyota. I can confidently say the JT premium audio is a pretty damn good factory system.

100% this... I test drove gas/diesel Willys and Rubicon at different dealers because it was impossible to find all the models at one dealer. The last test drive had the Alpine system (with hardtop headliners) and I was like wow. For the price, I still thought I could do better building my own stereo system. When researching options I found this video...it's very geeky but it sold me on the system. Jeep/Alpine appears to have put a lot of thought into the dynamics and quality of the premium system. Based on my experience test driving different trim levels, am seriously thinking about adding headliners to the hardtop (still sounds great without though). It also got me thinking twice about ripping out the carpet and replacing it with Armorlite. Decided I will do that for the summer months when the top is off... but am going to keep the carpet for the winter months when the hardtop is on. Long story short...YSMV... depends on the trim/options in the cab, 'EQ' settings, volume (better loud), etc. Looking forward to testing the sound with the top and doors off though

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