Sorry if this is a repeat question but I couldnt find the topic even when I searched.

Is there anything I can do about the hum im getting when I use the Ipod aux in while im charging the Ipod using the lighter charger. Also can it be because I have the 1st gen Ipod and using the firewire to lighter charger. Though this doesnt happen when I charge while using headphones. hmmm.

Any help is much appreciated.

 

Check this post: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=91507
Here is my reply anyways..

There have been quite a few posts on this and I'd actually like for a sticky to one of the posts.

You own an 06 and its an issue w/ the something.

I just received the following in the mail today and it took care of the issue.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-g6b7f63...=Ground+Filter
Not only did it take care of the issue, my auxilary item plays much louder and its crystal clear.

I am going to call Scion and let them know that there is an issue w/ the using the aux port and having the item plugged in w/ 06's so hopefully they can make something to fix it.

If you want, call Scion and/or purchase the above item.

 

Glad to see it worked, Maria.

If you'd like, you could maybe do a short tech writeup of the problem, the suggested fixes, your experience, and maybe even a pic of the unit and I'll see if I can maybe get it accepted into the tech section. Wanna give it a try?

 

I got a ground loop isolator from radio shack and it got rid of the humming noise.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

 

thanks for the responses! sorry for the repeat Q...I just couldnt locate the topic for the life of me.

geez another wire! thats gonna suck!

 

I hid mine under and behind the center console. I'll grab a pic if i can.

 

Thats exactly what I was thinking. I went the longest time being one of the only ones but it looks like the more 06's that get bought, the more people notice it.

I will definately write something up and take pictures. I'm actually hoping to remove the center console and run everything underneath it to where I have my radio sitting.

 

Yeah guys please post pics.

I like to mess with my cars but im much better at following directions because I have no imagination when it comes to DIY stuff.

 

There are two issues I know of in the Scion XB that I have had to work on.. One im still working on. First is the ground loop isolation which you guys have already covered. But on that note, Id like to state that there is almost no difference between the 40 dollar monster ground loop isolator and the 9 dollar one you can pick up a radioshack/frys. I have them both, and swap em out trying to tackle other issues all the time..

The second "hum" issue I run into is inductive. I can eliminate this simply by moving my cables around, however I have yet to figure out how to prevent the cables from inducing the electrical interferance.. Ive tried those expensive cables that say they dont get inductive noise which is a pile o crzp.. Even the expensive ground loop isolator I have will do a little hum if it gets close to some other electrical component.

Theres two types of non-inductive noise you will run into, alternator whine, and ground loop hum. The alternator noise can be fixed by a power filter and/or better grounding of your device. The ground loop comes from your poorly grounded device trying to ground out through the rca cables. The isolator prevents the grounding part, the power filter saves up a little power and adds it in at the right moment to smooth out the powerline... kinda like a big cap on a stereo.. Oh and ground loop hum is constant, and doesnt change with the reving of your engine.. alternator whine goes up and down with your rpms.

So any thoughts on getting rid of inductive noise? Anyone do tempest shielding for a car?

 

ground loop isolators have never worked for me..

 

Ground loop isolators work great, but only for very specific issues. If your noise is not inductive and you can get rid of it by moving wires around, and it doesnt change when you rev the engine, then its a ground loop. A ground loop isolator will fix it.

 

well mine must be inductive yet i cant fix it no matter how i move any wires.

 

I plan on giving my box a cleaning tomorrow and attempting to hide the ground I bought under the armrest possibly. I will take pictures tomorrow.

Oh BTW, I think we should be calling Scion on the 2006 issue due to the fact that they need to fix it. They sell the car w/ the aux port standard, we should be able to use it without purchasing anything more.

 

Edlin,
Just wanted to say thanks. This post was what I needed to diagnose the hum from my new XM plug-n-play. I got the ground loop isolator from RadioShack (#270-054) and it worked perfectly.

 

another question... i am getting an ipod soon, does the ground loop hum only happen when using the aux in AND the charger!?

 

Yes.

It only happens when there is more than one path to ground on the input circuit, hence ground loop.

 

Same.

I ran the wires underneath the gearshifter and all to hide it...

It seemed to diminish the volume a little, but the hiss is gone and it still sounds better than the ipod (I use it for XM).

 

Sweet, good to hear that the isolators are working for most people. I spent many years building up some pretty massive systems in cars.. Alternator noise and ground loops always are the most annoying part of the process.

 

Thanks Tomas, only TWO DAY TILL IPOD NOW!!! ...hopefully

 

would installing a condenser help with it too placing it along with on the ground???