Chadxton

iTrader: (1)

Yesterday I installed an amp which included a complete re-wiring. During the finalizing install of the sub amp (US Amps VLX-25) I had the engine and system running to tweak the front speakers. I was up front and my installer was in the back tinkering with the output wiring to figure out which phase the system would sound best in. All of a sudden we hear this snap noise, and the amps went into protected mode. The deck stayed on, and seconds later my installer noticed there was smoke coming from the top dash vent above the deck. I immediately shut the car off in a panic and took the deck out. The smoke smell definitely did come from the deck. Strange thing is, it's been a day now and the deck is still working fine. I'm wondering what could have been toasted and what could have caused it. The deck is an Alpine CDA 7949 and has low level RCA output only. The unused accessory wires on the deck were cut clean, however were taped together, so there may have been a chance that two had touched. But there's nothing I'm aware of in an RCA only deck that has the juice to cause something to fry.
Another thing is, the burnt smell was more like hot burning rubber than electronics. Maybe something is wrong with the mechanicals of the player, but it still plays CD's ok.
What could it have been? The installer touching around on the contacts? Something wrong with the remote power? The CD motor?
I'm afraid this type of thing will happen again, although it hadn't recurred yet.

Mephistopheles

Dude, what the hell did you do to that deck

Generally when I have caused smoke I have not been fortunate enough to have whatever was smoking work again.

Chadxton

iTrader: (1)

I would have talked to you about it before, Konrad. I didn't get time to call or talk on msn. In any case I'm not blaming you. It's just weird that it happened. I think I may have it serviced soon. Maybe a drive belt burnt out if there's such thing? I don't see how it could have made everything go into protected mode. Wear and tear I guess.