Honda CR-V 1.6 iDTEC SR - Continuous Audio Buzzing/Interference/Noise/Sound Fault with Front Speakers - SOLVED!

[jcjam]

Hi,

 

Having had several months with an audio problem with my mk 4 (2015) CR-V I thought others may benefit from my resolution!

 

Problem

As topic title, I experienced a buzzing/electrical noise back in spring 2022 after a 30-minute drive in the rain. I’ve checked the micro blade fuses under the bonnet and passenger glove compartment and all are intact. The rear speakers are operating normally, so it’s only the front speakers with the problem.

The unwanted noise seems to differ. It’s more obvious (higher pitch) when accelerating compared to coasting (foot off the accelerator). You do hear a difference too when changing gears. The Bluetooth phone audio, radio, CD audio and the sat nav audio all suffer from poor audio in the front speakers only. You can only just make out what’s being said on the sat nav or phone audio but they are still working just barely but very, very faint. The noise is continuous as soon as the key is turned prior to starting the engine. The noise only stops when there is no more electrical current in the car.

A local garage removed the head unit, saw no signs of damage and assumed it was a faulty head unit. After I was quoted for a new Honda head unit (£3,655), I was advised ‘better go to Halfords’ for an after-market head unit instead. Halfords fitted a new Pioneer 7” unit but unfortunately the electrical noise output remained the same after taking time to book me in, fit the new unit, order extra adapters, all of which took several weeks.

So it has been confirmed the original Honda head unit is not faulty and the problem is elsewhere and I got my original head unit fitted back in. Halfords (to their credit) kindly gave me a full refund.

Two visits to a Honda dealership did give them time to investigate the problem. Various checks on the speakers, connections and battery were all checked and working fine. It was at the end of the second visit the Honda technician came across the audio amplifier unit (part number: 39186-T1G-G612-M1 and see photos attached) that he was 75-80% sure may be the issue. New, it costs £800, but I got a used unit from eBay for £30 from a newer Honda (any vehicle type: petrol/diesel/auto/manual is OK).

Solution

It was my third visit to Honda, one hour later, the unit was swapped and the problem was solved! BINGO! The technician did tell me he's never seen this problem before and didn't realise my Honda had premium audio (hence the amplifier).

Hopefully anyone else with this issue will benefit from my write-up. After over £400 labour (Honda and non-Honda dealerships), problem solved! If you experience this audio issue, likely your Honda has the same thing. Do the research and find out if it has premium audio with the same/similar amplifier - you never know! I didn't fit it myself so can't comment on this but was told it took an hour in total.

Best wishes, James.

Edited June 14, 2022 by jcjam
Title change

[Trevor]

Thank you for posting this up to help others with this issue