Got an 08 HHR with stock, standard radio with single CD player. Think it's Pioneer but NOT the deluxe model with the amp and woofer set up in the rear, back driver's side.

I'm getting a noise through the speakers as back ground, sounds like a small motor running. Turn the radio off and the noise ends. I think it could be the CD player running, without a disk in it. How can I check this and how can I turn off the CD drive.... make sure it's off? I will go out and see if I can tell if I can see the thing turning through the small door area. Will re-read the owner's manual on how it operates. The info from the print out on the radio says there is NO disk inside. Man I think the ride is messing with me... can these things be possezzed or the like?

 

Try the radio with the key on but the engine off. If the noise is only with cars engine running, then it's some sort of feedback whine through the alternator.

I'm no audio guy, so not sure what the fix may be.

 

X2 worth a try for a basis point! Good call FMG

 

I have an aftermarket Pioneer unit in my 2007 which had the deluxe sound system and about once a year I have to open things up and reattach all the sound (RCA) plugs and also the noise filter I put on to eliminate the engine/alternator whine. I think dust gets into the connectors and causes electrical interference and there seems to just be one of the things that happens?

The noise filter is plugged into extra connections from the head unit that were not used and all he others I taped over but the noise still happens, only when engine is running.

 

If it is a Pioneer, it would have "Pioneer" on it.

 

old racer, next time you dust your connections smear a dab of dielectric grease on those connections, that will keep the dust and moisture out!

 

Thanks Old Blue. I tried using black electrical tape, the die electrical sealer and even shrink tubing which was a real pain! I think the dust gets in there when I go to our shooting range as it is down a 3 mile dirt/gravel road and things get pretty dusty no matter what?