Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Need Advice with Stock Premium System Cutting Out

I couldn't find any prior posts like this prob, so here goes. I know zero about stereos.

I have a 99 SVT Contour with completely stock premium sound system. First, the right side speakers started cutting out intermittently, and I could bring the sound back by punching up the volume. Finally, tho, they cut out for good and I've had no sound from them in awhile. Now it's starting to happen with the left side speakers. Again, I can bring the sound back for awhile by turning up the volume.

Should I be looking to replace the amp, the head unit, or both? I'd prefer to buy someone's stock (working, of course) head unit and amp rather than invest in new stuff, as I'm fairly close to replacing the SVT.

Thanks in advance,

Ned M.

It's time for new speakers. Did they all go out or the fronts only? Do a search for 6x8 speakers and take your pick on brand. I'm running Pioneer 3-WAYs in front and 2-WAYs in the rear.

It could be something as simple as a poor connection. Check the connection to make sure its not dirty or anything.

You may as well take a small hit in the wallet and get a moderate head unit and some drop in speakers. It would be relatively cheap, and at the same time be a huge improvement over stock. Also, it can always be moved into another car.

I wish automakers would do things right and use real head units and speakers in thier cars. I've yet to hear a stock stereo system that impressed me, they all suck.

I had a problem where the passenger door speaker kept cutting out. I would turn up the volume, it would kick back in, finally that didn't work either. After beating up the door panel a few times, I decided to take it apart and find the problem. The problem was a bad speaker, you had to push down 1/2" on the cone to get it to play any sound. I replaced the speaker, problem solved.

I stuck in 4 Sony Xplod 3 ways in my doors when I bought my SVT, and it only cost $105 with shipping off of ebay. Also picked up a $30 dollar 10" pinoeer sub and had a 160 watt JVC deck already (~$50 off of eBay right now). If you run the door speakers off the amp and use the head unit for the sub, you get a system that sounds nice, isn't overly excessive, and is around $200 (you'll need a box for the sub). Well, good luck with your problem!

Listen to these guys and ditch the stock system. I was having similar problems, pretty sure it was the amp, but just decided to overhall it!! I got pioneer 4 ways for $50 off ebay, and a pioneer mp3 h/u from best buy! Sounds decent, would sound really good with an amp and sub, but I would rather not add the extra weight and make my car a target for thieves!