My 996's sound machine buzzes like a fridge

[Team996]

Is this pretty typical & can I fix it?

I bought my beauty (silver '01 with 22k miles) on September 1st, and am relieved to say my only gripe is the buzzing of the sound system's low end at volume. I'm picky when it comes this stuff, so I'd like to know if it's something Porsche owners just learn to live with (I know a P-enthusiast who generally doesn't use his stereo so he can savor the sound of the engine!) or if I can start trouble shooting the culprit. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Any help helps! Thanks...

[RFM]

Hi

Sounds like a amplifier problem, do you have warranty?

[Team996]

No warranty, though I'm [very] seriously considering buying an extended one since it is previously-owned (and my first used car ever).

You might be right about the amp, though I realize now that my description of the buzzing could be a little misleading. Instead of it being the audible electronic buzzing of wattage, it's more like loose interior buzzing.

[rmmaso]

If you tend to keep your cell phone in the slot beneath the radio, that could be the problem. It took me months to figure it out but once I moved the cell phone away from the radio & CD player, the problem was solved.

[Izzy]

Another potential one is grounding. Is the system stock? May have been removed at some point and the ground has come loose.

[Team996]

Thanks for your thoughts on the matter. It is the stock 220 receiver, but it's in the next slot beneath the Red Bull holders, which I don't think is factory positioning (?), so it probably has been moved.

And there's no open slot on the console; instead I have one of these ultra-useful, space-efficient "4-CD storers" that I wrongly assumed was a changer before I bought it. What's the story with that thing, anyway? Is it possible that I have a 4-CD storer DESIGNED and INSTALLED in the dash of my Porsche--BY PORSCHE (???!!!); if it were an aftermarket product, you'd see in the "What's the stupidest money you ever spent on your 996?" thread on Rennlist. Definitely removing that puppy to install a nav system at some point...

In any case, at worst, the buzzing sounds like the interior's losing it's tightness and getting a little loose (my instinct is that it's uninsulated or loosening components inside the door), though everything operates beautifully. I really wish there was a quick-fix easy answer for this, but maybe there isn't. Glad to know it's not standard, though. If anyone else has something else to add from experience, please do...Thanks!

Edited September 15, 2007 by Team996

[kidsmurf2000]

I had the exact same problem, now all is well :D

First, get rid of the useless CD (or tape) holder and replace it with a standard shelf. That will get rid of 90% of the problem.

If you still have issues, you can install felt strips between the shelves. I had the dealer do this for me -- $1 in parts, $50 in labor, but hey, it was worth it to hear my stereo as nature intended.

TIP: if you take it to the dealer, make sure you put a disc in where track 1 has some nice bass to show the issue at the start of the song! Nothing like making the tech's life easy...