Speakers now crackle...but only when the engine is running

**MacGyvers Mullet** · 08-19-2016

Just noticed that my stereo speakers are all crackling a bit when the engine is running. This did not happen until a few days ago. This is after installing new spark plugs, Quality spark plug wires, and re-installing a re-tuned PCM.

When I turn the engine off, the sound is clean. Aftermarket alpine head unit that uses the factory amp. The battery is 12.6v when car is off, around 13.5v when car is on. Wasn't sure if the running voltage was a bit low, as I normally see 14.4v on the average on other running cars.

Bad ground, amp or alternator on the fritz?

96 GTS, by the way.

**dave6666** · 08-19-2016

You have crossed wires.

**Mopar Steve** · 08-19-2016

What spark plugs did you use? Non resistor plugs will cause this also.

**Ontariomystic** · 08-19-2016

My Quality Wires do the same thing...and there not crossed.

**MacGyvers Mullet** · 08-19-2016

I have the double copper core champion plugs, the RC12ECC.

Are we saying that the spark plug wires are at fault here? I did install them properly and tried not to cross them.

Ontariomystic, did you solve the issue in any way? I would hate to have spent $200 on damn good wires and have this be a side effect.

**DaddySmokes** · 08-19-2016

go to a stereo shop and ask for a resistor that will go on the hot wire at the radio .the radio is picking up alternator noise

**My98RT10** · 08-20-2016

I don't think that the alternator is the issue if everything was fine before the changes described were performed. This is a typically issue when installing aftermarket spark plug wires, which often promote their low resistance and strong spark. This, however, increases potential interferences with other electrical systems. There's no free lunch -

. I for this reason stayed with OEM wires. Issue COULD be caused by other things as well but this is the most likely one.

**My98RT10** · 08-20-2016

One more thing comes to my mind as you say you are having an aftermarket head unit installed. Have you checked, if the antenna amp has power? Normally, it gets voltage directly from the OEM head unit. Aftermarket radios usually don't have such a power output and you need to get it from the fuse panel or somewhere else. Reception still works without this antenna amp but signal level is significantly lower thus much more sensitive for all kinds of interferences.

**dave6666** · 08-20-2016

Originally Posted by MacGyvers Mullet

I have the double copper core champion plugs, the RC12ECC.

Are we saying that the spark plug wires are at fault here? I did install them properly and tried not to cross them.

Ontariomystic, did you solve the issue in any way? I would hate to have spent $200 on damn good wires and have this be a side effect.

I have used those wires before with no crackling issues, but after melting several sets I went to a better wire. I've also been using the Gen 3 plug too for about 10 years, also with no crackling issues.

Is your cowl ground properly installed? I've seen that done incorrectly I don't know how many times.

BTW, you can get the exact same construction wire for way under $200.

**MacGyvers Mullet** · 08-22-2016

I'll check the cowl ground, thank you.

So, if everything is looking okay under the hood and I still have the crackling, what are my options other than going back to OEM wires? Any shielding that can be installed into the radio harness or anything to that effect?