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Tigerfan1 · 05-21-2014, 08:42 PM

I have had my 2004 Dutch Star for 9 years and have never heard this popping / crackling sound before. It is coming from inside the dash and I think it is from the sub woofer. When I unplug from shore power the noise goes away. All stereo equipment is off. Batteries are charged and water level good. Inverter is off. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

Cypressloser · 05-21-2014, 08:51 PM

Loose wiring somewhere in the sound system?
"Crackling" makes me think electric, rattling could be anything I guess.

plasma800 · 05-21-2014, 09:02 PM

but only when you are on shore power?

I mean, if there is a sub down there, it's gonna be plugged into an outlet and powered up, but this would also happen on a genset. so....

Tigerfan1 · 06-02-2014, 07:26 AM

I fired up the generator today (shore power disconnected) and still have the crackling popping sound. Unplugged the sub woofer and noise went away. Sub woofer is under front dash. If I decide to replace it anyone know how to get it out. Best approach might be to buy a new stereo with a wire less sub.

njs42 · 06-02-2014, 08:21 AM

First and obviously check the connection on the back of the stereo. Then mess with the sub woofer box.

I had a similar problem and fortunately my sub woofer was accessible (sort of) but the short can be anywhere along the wire as was the case for me. (stapled, rub raw, stretched who knows)?. I replaced the wire and have been sub woofing every since.

Good luck at least you know the problem now.

Lynxman · 09-29-2014, 05:30 PM

I also have a 2004 Dutch Star 4025 and while camping about a month ago I woke up to hear a "clicking" sound coming from my dash area. While trying to discover what it was, I can stop it by turning off one 110V circuit breaker which controls my front TV power and many other plug ins throughout the coach. The "clicking" comes and goes intermittently and after taking it in for an appointment with my Newmar dealer the sound wouldn't appear. Fortunately I recorded the sound on my phone and presented it to them. I have an extended warranty and they just today approved the dash to be opened up to diagnose the problem. I'll let you know when they find out.

Lynxman · 10-02-2014, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynxman

I also have a 2004 Dutch Star 4025 and while camping about a month ago I woke up to hear a "clicking" sound coming from my dash area. While trying to discover what it was, I can stop it by turning off one 110V circuit breaker which controls my front TV power and many other plug ins throughout the coach. The "clicking" comes and goes intermittently and after taking it in for an appointment with my Newmar dealer the sound wouldn't appear. Fortunately I recorded the sound on my phone and presented it to them. I have an extended warranty and they just today approved the dash to be opened up to diagnose the problem. I'll let you know when they find out.

An update on my "clicking" noise. As far as they can figure out it was the subwoofer in the dash. It seems that one of the RCA input jacks was very loose and the sub was turned up high. Even though the stereo amp wasn't powered up the sub amp itself was and the poor connection of the RCA jack was causing the noise. This is actually easily accessible in my 2004 DS. The simulated rosewood plastic trim panel above the entry step is attached with Velcro. If you pull the trim panel off there is an access hatch cut into the dash panel behind the trim which provides access to the 110V outlet the sub is plugged into, the RCA jack connections, and the volume and frequency response levels. Once you know this it's easy to troubleshoot. Good luck!

Tigerfan1 · 10-03-2014, 11:41 AM

Thanks Lynxman I will check my sub woofer connections. However, I have found other elec. issues which I think we're caused my mice. Dash a/c doesn't work and found the the customer B fuse on the spartan fuse block keeps blowing when I replace it. Talked with Spartan and they said that fuse powers Newmar stuff and I have a short somewhere and I need to start inspecting wires. Have checked gen area and found evidence of critter damage on wire loom but not wires. Have also checked under dash and basement area but nothing more. Am currently looking in water tank area. Will keep everyone posted.