Generator Whine in Audio System (Install New Ground and/or Replace Radio)

Built Prior to the following VIN Breakpoints:

Some drivers may comment about a whine type noise coming from the radio speakers. This condition is more noticeable when the radio is at low volume and the vehicle is accelerating at lower speeds.

Bypass the existing ground for the radio and amplifier. Install a new ground circuit for those components. Use the procedure and part numbers listed below.

1. Ensure that the battery is fully charged.
2. Remove the RH instrument panel (IP) side panel and lower the IP storage compartment.



3. Remove the RH IP bussed electrical center (BEC) from the mounting and examine cavity A10 for two black wires.

•	If the two wires are present, then proceed to the Radio Replacement procedure below. Install the IP storage compartment and the RH IP side panel.

•	If the two wires are not present, then proceed to the Harness Repair procedure below.

1. Obtain standard stock 16 gauge black wire and cut to a length of 610 mm (24 in).
2. Obtain standard stock 18 gauge black wire and cut to a length of 1520 mm (60 in).
3. Strip 5 mm (3/16 in) of insulation from each end of both wires.
4. Crimp the terminal, P/N 12129424, to one end of the 16 gauge wire.
5. Crimp the terminal, P/N 12089649, to one end of the 18 gauge wire.
6. Crimp the terminal, P/N 12129424, to the other end of both wires.
7. Solder all crimps with rosin core solder.
8. Remove the IP cluster bezel.
9. Remove the radio and disconnect the electrical connectors.
10. Lower the IP storage compartment for access.
11. Disconnect the electrical connector from the amplifier.



12. Locate and remove the terminal in cavity 5 of the radio connector.
13. Cut off the terminal and secure the remaining wire to the harness with tape.



14. Locate and remove the terminal in cavity F of the amplifier connector.
15. Cut off the terminal and secure the remaining wire to the harness with tape.
16. Using the repair harness made earlier (steps 1-7), replace the circuits that were removed from the system.

•	Install the terminal, P/N 12129424, with the two wires into cavity A10 of the RH IP BEC.

•	Route the wires along the IP harness to the radio and amplifier (the shorter of the two wires should go to the amplifier).

•	Install the terminal, P/N 12129424, and the wire into cavity F of the amplifier connector.

•	Install the remaining terminal, P/N 12089649 and wire into cavity 5 of the radio connector.

17. Carefully secure the wires to the IP harness with tape, ensuring proper routing and clearance from sharp objects or pinch points.
18. Replace the radio if the part number for the existing radio is one of the following P/Ns: 15757508, 15757509, or 9383075. Replace the radio with one of the following radio P/Ns respectively: 15764356, 15764357, or 15764358.
19. Connect the electrical connector to the amplifier.
20. Install the IP storage compartment.
21. Connect the radio electrical connectors and install the radio.
22. Install the IP cluster bezel.

Replace the radio if the part number for the existing radio is one of the following P/Ns: 15757508, 15757509, or 9383075. Replace the radio with one of the following radio P/Ns respectively: 15764356, 15764357, or 15764358. Refer to the Radio Replacement procedure in the Entertainment subsection of the 2000 C/K Service Manual.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: