Bose system intermittent no sound problem?

VMAX4800

MEMBER
2008 HUMMER H2
6.2L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

Hello, I have been having issues with my Bose radio system for many years. The OEM GM head unit has been replaced at least three times. I gave up and went to an aftermarket radio from Alpine. I used the PAC brand interfaces to retain OEM system functions like OnStar, Steering wheel controls and backup camera, etc. All was okay for a few weeks but then the no sound problem returned. The no sound problem can be re-created. I can cause the no sound issue in two methods: first method is by turning left and braking. If I cycle the engine on/off the sound will return. The second method to cause the no sound is to increase the volume to between 17 and 20 and there the sound will begin clipping. I suspect a failing Bose amp or a problem within the order into which the GM truck electrical bus and network lines fire up the radio and Bose amp. This is not a basic problem.

6 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This is an odd one. I agree that this sounds like an amp issue but the fact that you can get the sound to cut off by braking and turning is very strange.

What I would do to confirm this is an amp issue is to just monitor the voltage on the various inputs to the radio from the amp and see if something is dropping out when you are breaking. Then just check to make sure that circuit is tight on both ends and then replace the amp.

Here are some guides that will help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Here are the wiring diagrams to help with this.

Please run through this and let us know what you find, and we can go from there. Thanks

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Sunday, November 21st, 2021 AT 11:04 AM

VMAX4800

MEMBER
18 POSTS

Sorry for the long delay. It took sone time to go through all the wires and connections. I replaced the amp and attempted SPS programming but it errored-out. I spent some time with Techline support, and they keep telling me it's a comms issue. I cannot find anything wrong with wiring for it to be a comms issue. Any thoughts?

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Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 AT 2:29 PM

HUMMERFAN

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Also, does anyone know positively where the amp is located in a 2008? Not a 2003, not a 2005, not a 200. Whatever. A 2008.
Thank you.

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Saturday, October 14th, 2023 AT 8:20 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Sure, the radio amplifier is between the two front seats under the front floor console. Here are the radio wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works along with the location. Check out the images (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

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Sunday, October 15th, 2023 AT 10:42 AM

HUMMERFAN

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Thank you, Ken.

Intermittent stereo audio problem with 2 aftermarket screen units. Probably the amp or the connection to it. I'll take the console out and check the amp's connectors.
Thanks again.