Navigation & Audio Quick Poll: Who's had Harman Kardon amp failure?
#126
Hey guys, after much searching I finally figured out that the power wire in-between the amp and the stereo for constant power was putting out inconsistent power. I ran a hot wire down to the battery, fused it and now everything runs great. Make sure when checking everything that your constant power is working correctly as well.
#128
Are there any DIY for the aftermarket amp and crossovers? Mine just went out and the places that I've called have quoted me min $600. The thing that scares me is that they all want to run new wires! I don't trust anyone with audio work in vegas! I've seen TOO many hack jobs! Not big on audio so any amp thats equivalent or better than stock is fine. I'm a tech but only know the basics when it comes to audio. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Last edited by Cristhian702; 09-12-2014 at 02:44 PM.
#129
I know this is an old thread, but my HK amp just died in my 2003 JCW... seems that my amp had a longer than usual life span, but i am still annoyed that i have lost my tunes!!! not looking forward to dumping a bunch of cash in this system. Did anyone ever look into a recall or class action suit against HK?
#130
So glad to find this thread. I have an 04 Cooper S Indy Blue, I backed out of the drive way no sound. I baby this car, it's never spent a night outside. We looked over the fuses and found nothing the radio is still showing channels, you can change the stations, the CD Player works you can hear it running, just no sound. Paul, I'm glad you started this thread. Celjel I may try to see if we can just buy one like you did and plug it in ourselves, hubby is pretty handy with things like this. Any suggestions, how to's or not to's?
Choo I am going to take your info to one of our local sound shops that does most of the dealer work and specialty stuff for 35 years. They said we have to be careful that the system is comparable as it could ruin the entire electrical system. I have had quotes on a new HK amp as high as $2K. Yikes!
Jashepan thanks for the video and info I asked our local shop about it he said yes he could do it, had to modify the system but it could be done, still close to 1000 to do it. Now I have to decide which would be the better option.
If anyone is interested in class action I am game, we could get in touch with the firm that already has one against them should make it pretty easy to win if they will take it. I think a company that keeps on putting something out that clearly has a problem should be held accountable.
Choo I am going to take your info to one of our local sound shops that does most of the dealer work and specialty stuff for 35 years. They said we have to be careful that the system is comparable as it could ruin the entire electrical system. I have had quotes on a new HK amp as high as $2K. Yikes!
Jashepan thanks for the video and info I asked our local shop about it he said yes he could do it, had to modify the system but it could be done, still close to 1000 to do it. Now I have to decide which would be the better option.
If anyone is interested in class action I am game, we could get in touch with the firm that already has one against them should make it pretty easy to win if they will take it. I think a company that keeps on putting something out that clearly has a problem should be held accountable.
#131
#132
I did do the switch to the JLAudio M600/6.
I have not completely figured out if I can work around it, but it did kill my Dicelink ipod integrationthat is connected to the Aux in, but the Satellite Radio (aftermarket Blitzsafe XM setup). Only thing I can think of is the iBus wire that has nowhere to go now is affecting it somehow.
It is definitely louder, since it is not limited any more, but I still have a some tweaking to do as I have too much midrange for now. The adjustment pots are VERY sensitive. I think I need to start all over with lower initial levels and make small changes.
I have not completely figured out if I can work around it, but it did kill my Dicelink ipod integrationthat is connected to the Aux in, but the Satellite Radio (aftermarket Blitzsafe XM setup). Only thing I can think of is the iBus wire that has nowhere to go now is affecting it somehow.
It is definitely louder, since it is not limited any more, but I still have a some tweaking to do as I have too much midrange for now. The adjustment pots are VERY sensitive. I think I need to start all over with lower initial levels and make small changes.
So, in case anyone runs into any similar issues. Pull the battery for an hour or so.
I feel like a dummy, though I had the battery disconnected when I did the work, when I had it disconnected trying to reset some ECU adaptations from when I had the damper go bad. Once I did, bam the Dice Link interface started working just fine.
#133
We have a 2004 Mini Cooper and the Harman Kardon amplifier stopped working. I've never had any car audio component, head unit or amplifier, fail in any of the 16 cars I've owned, yet this premium amplifier is stone cold dead. Doing a bit of anecdotal research it seems it might be a very common problem, so I was wondering:
How many others out there have had their Harman Kardon audio system fail?
(Please post the year of your car and model in response)
How many others out there have had their Harman Kardon audio system fail?
(Please post the year of your car and model in response)
2004 Mini S indy blue went out a few months ago.
#135
I have been trying to get my amp replaced since it died several months ago. So far no go. I don't want to buy used, since they are around $400-500 used, with a 30 day warranty, or new for 1500 and 2 years warranty. To go to a new brand they have to do modifications. If that one goes out then I am right back where I started and I stand a chance of messing up some of the function of my car. So new is looking the best. I did take it to a local shop that said I should take it to a repair shop, I did and they have tested it on the bench all seems to be fine. There are no smoked out, cracked, burned spots so now they are going to start replacing parts. I'm just not sure where you stop the spending and give up and just buy a new one. Ugh... anyone have any advice for advice for me?
#136
Harmon Kardon Amp Failure
The Amp in my 2005 Mini S also has failed. I have also questioned the dealer and got the answer: "have not seem many failures". I sent an email to MINI and never got an answer re. the issue. Many of you may remember the issue with the electric pwr steering pump that was a recall in Canada but not in the USA. MINI finally agreed to extend the warranty for that part. I got a check for $1200 from MINI since I had already had the dealer replace the pump.
Let's get something going on the HK amps!!!!!
Let's get something going on the HK amps!!!!!
#138
Faulty Harmon Kardon Amps
The Amp in my 2005 Mini S also has failed. I have also questioned the dealer and got the answer: "have not seem many failures". I sent an email to MINI and never got an answer re. the issue. Many of you may remember the issue with the electric pwr steering pump that was a recall in Canada but not in the USA. MINI finally agreed to extend the warranty for that part. I got a check for $1200 from MINI since I had already had the dealer replace the pump.
Let's get something going on the HK amps!!!!!
Let's get something going on the HK amps!!!!!
#139
Part number help?
I am trying to fix my OEM Harmon Kardon amp..
Choo mentioned that one fix was using the digikey part number 497-4566-1-ND for the switcher. I was able to find this component on the board, but could not locate the 2 inductors....Could some one help me out and possibly tell me where these 2 inductors are located?
I have uploaded a picture of where I found the switcher...are the inductors nearby?
thanks!
Choo mentioned that one fix was using the digikey part number 497-4566-1-ND for the switcher. I was able to find this component on the board, but could not locate the 2 inductors....Could some one help me out and possibly tell me where these 2 inductors are located?
I have uploaded a picture of where I found the switcher...are the inductors nearby?
thanks!
#140
101 H36 is the coil. It's shielded.
I'm surprised you need to replace it, since they are usually fairly robust, as a coil of wire. If you can buzz it with a multimeter you'll likely find it's undamaged.
The two orange rectangles with 227 on are the 10V output tantalum caps.
The two round silver caps on the input are the higher voltage electrolytic ones. I'd inspect them for evidence of leaking.
I'm surprised you need to replace it, since they are usually fairly robust, as a coil of wire. If you can buzz it with a multimeter you'll likely find it's undamaged.
The two orange rectangles with 227 on are the 10V output tantalum caps.
The two round silver caps on the input are the higher voltage electrolytic ones. I'd inspect them for evidence of leaking.
Last edited by joylove; 04-03-2015 at 08:13 PM.
#141
101 H36 is the coil. It's shielded.
I'm surprised you need to replace it, since they are usually fairly robust, as a coil of wire. If you can buzz it with a multimeter you'll likely find it's undamaged.
The two orange rectangles with 227 on are the 10V output tantalum caps.
The two round silver caps on the input are the higher voltage electrolytic ones. I'd inspect them for evidence of leaking.
I'm surprised you need to replace it, since they are usually fairly robust, as a coil of wire. If you can buzz it with a multimeter you'll likely find it's undamaged.
The two orange rectangles with 227 on are the 10V output tantalum caps.
The two round silver caps on the input are the higher voltage electrolytic ones. I'd inspect them for evidence of leaking.
#142
There's only 1 inductor in that picture.
Once again, the inductor is unlikely to have failed.
Before attempting to modify any of the circuit, you should be able to measure the input voltage with a multimeter at the silver capacitors, and the output voltage at the yellow capacitors.
Once again, the inductor is unlikely to have failed.
Before attempting to modify any of the circuit, you should be able to measure the input voltage with a multimeter at the silver capacitors, and the output voltage at the yellow capacitors.
Last edited by joylove; 04-03-2015 at 09:41 PM.
#143
There's only 1 inductor in that picture.
Once again, the inductor is unlikely to have failed.
Before attempting to modify any of the circuit, you should be able to measure the input voltage with a multimeter at the silver capacitors, and the output voltage at the yellow capacitors.
Once again, the inductor is unlikely to have failed.
Before attempting to modify any of the circuit, you should be able to measure the input voltage with a multimeter at the silver capacitors, and the output voltage at the yellow capacitors.
#144
2004 mini with hk. Sound just stopped. Radio still works (stations, cd, etc). Read these threads so assumed Amp. Replaced amp with used working one. Still no sound. How do I know amp has power? No ON light. I need to isolate problem. How? HELP!
Would just replace everything but lowest quote is $1400 with cheap amp and radio.
Would just replace everything but lowest quote is $1400 with cheap amp and radio.
#146
I have a 2004 Mini Cooper S with Harman Kardon and had the same thing happen to me last week. No sound, but radio works fine. After reading this thread and many others out there. It's clear that these amps have an engineered shelf life. Maybe its the heat, design whatever... I laid out my options:
1) Buy a new one from the dealer $900-$1000
2) Locate a used one (difficult and reliability issues? $400+)
3) Try a different amp and work through it
#2 seems like the easiest approach. I have a 12 year old car, who needs a new part? The thing is: THESE AMPS FAIL. I have owned several cars and never had an amp just stop working like that. How do you know if the one you're getting is going to last? YOU DON'T know.
I would rather spend my money on something that does work and is going to work with a warranty of at least 2 years.
After reading the posts by Paul and 4Driver4 - I decided to pick up a JL Audio m600/6 - The wiring doesnt look that difficult at all. Placement of the amp may be a bigger issue. (I want to make sure i can get access to the bulbs if needed)
Overall, I expect the performance to be what you would expect from an amplifier that is 12 years newer than the one that the dealership wants $1000 bucks for.
1) Buy a new one from the dealer $900-$1000
2) Locate a used one (difficult and reliability issues? $400+)
3) Try a different amp and work through it
#2 seems like the easiest approach. I have a 12 year old car, who needs a new part? The thing is: THESE AMPS FAIL. I have owned several cars and never had an amp just stop working like that. How do you know if the one you're getting is going to last? YOU DON'T know.
I would rather spend my money on something that does work and is going to work with a warranty of at least 2 years.
After reading the posts by Paul and 4Driver4 - I decided to pick up a JL Audio m600/6 - The wiring doesnt look that difficult at all. Placement of the amp may be a bigger issue. (I want to make sure i can get access to the bulbs if needed)
Overall, I expect the performance to be what you would expect from an amplifier that is 12 years newer than the one that the dealership wants $1000 bucks for.
#147
I have a 2004 Mini Cooper S with Harman Kardon and had the same thing happen to me last week. No sound, but radio works fine. After reading this thread and many others out there. It's clear that these amps have an engineered shelf life. Maybe its the heat, design whatever... I laid out my options:
1) Buy a new one from the dealer $900-$1000
2) Locate a used one (difficult and reliability issues? $400+)
3) Try a different amp and work through it
...
1) Buy a new one from the dealer $900-$1000
2) Locate a used one (difficult and reliability issues? $400+)
3) Try a different amp and work through it
...
Hope you find the solution that works best for you.
The JL Audio XD600/6 I put in my daughter's Mini in 2012 is still working perfectly and sounds great. Took some EQ tweaking at the amp to get the sound she was happy with, but it was great to not have to replace the speakers, or buy any crossovers since its all done at the amp. If you do go with a JL, I think all the info you need is in this thread. The car is outside in N. WA all winter and there don't seem to be any moisture issues with the XD.
#148
Woofer failure
I have had numerous speaker issues in the last 4 months and now my sound is different. It is as if there is no bass guitar. Just kids, treble, and deep bass. I am leaning toward and amp issue. I will also have the battery checked since it is 2 years old. I have a 2013 clubman s.
#149
Harmon Kardon 04 Amp Failure
We have a 2004 Mini Cooper and the Harman Kardon amplifier stopped working. I've never had any car audio component, head unit or amplifier, fail in any of the 16 cars I've owned, yet this premium amplifier is stone cold dead. Doing a bit of anecdotal research it seems it might be a very common problem, so I was wondering:
How many others out there have had their Harman Kardon audio system fail?
(Please post the year of your car and model in response)
How many others out there have had their Harman Kardon audio system fail?
(Please post the year of your car and model in response)
#150