Kenwood audio drops out periodically
 

Hi,

I recently installed a Kenwood KDC-MP342U in my wife's minivan (2004 Odyssey) and have a problem with the audio. It plays fine for awhile but then periodically drops out as if a buffer is being flushed or the audio stream is being interrupted.

This happens with radio, CD, and USB input. Could it be something wrong with the unit? The Honda wiring harness adapter was soldered in so I don't think it's a loose connection. It's not a rythmic drop out, just random.

There is no error on the display either.

tom
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first thing i would check for is somthing like the speaker + and - possibly grounding out sumwhere.
i would just start checking wires, even thought it might be soldered random things do happen.

Wires all look good and the display doesn't blank out when the audio stops. I'll try resetting it and see if that helps. Seems like an internal problem, but I will check the connections again if resetting the unit doesn't help.

I noticed that the audio only drops out when the engine is running. Any ideas anybody?
The original stereo that I just removed didn't have this problem, but I also bought a harness adapter from Best Buy, which doesn't seem of very good quality.
The wiring that I can get to seems fine and none of the other wiring has been disturbed, but I'm wondering, since it only happens when the engine is running, if it could be something else, such as not a strong enough flow of power to the unit.

I also checked Kenwood's site, but no firmware updates for this unit are available.

I thought this was a news story ... misleading title! hahaha

You could try adding another ground to the unit (and not using the ground in the factory wiring)

Might be the ground, thanks! Also, thought it might be the battery/alternator. I'll get some electrical system tests done soon. The factory stereo was fine, but this one draws up to 10 amps, so might be a strain, especially if the alternator is starting to fail. I did get a deep cycle battery (Optima red top) a couple years back which seemed to do a good job handlng the load from the other aftermarket accessories (DVD player). The problem comes and goes, so it will sound fine for awhile then start crapping out. It's great when the engine's off, but as soon as I start it up, I hear some little pops and cracks, then the intermittent drop outs. Happens with radio, CD player, USB/iPod, everything.

Sorry for the misleading title. ;)

if you plan to use deep cycle you need to do a dual battery setup, use an automotive rated battery for ignition/starter crank, and the marine battery for powering your accessories
alternators in cars have a higher current output than marine so really the purpose of a marine battery is moot, when used in a marine environment (I/O engines their alternators put out 2-3 A (or trickle charge) which allows the battery to hold and keep it's natural higher reserve capacity
also when you do charge your marine battery make sure you get a charger that can do a 2A trickle charge

I'm not sure if it's a true marine battery. We got it at an automotive parts store and it was rated for the Odyssey, but it was a lot more expensive than the usual auto battery. The original battery was a joke.