Sound Judging

Do this test to compare overall sound quality, imaging, and dynamics between the customer's vehicle and a known-good vehicle. Only use a vehicle of the same model and trim level for this test.

NOTE:  Make sure the vehicle is using only OEM speakers, amplifiers, etc.

1. In the customer's vehicle, set the bass, treble, fader, and balance settings to the customer's normal settings that were written down before beginning testing.

2. Insert the audio Diagnostic CD (07AAZ-SDBA100) into the CD player unit, the DVD player unit, or the BD player unit.

3. Play tracks No. 7 to 12 (sound quality, midland, dynamics, and imaging demonstration tracks) at a normal, or slightly higher than normal, volume level. Write down the volume setting being used.

4. Listen to the areas of the track that stand out as being either very clear or poorer than other areas of the track.

5. Insert the audio Diagnostic CD (07AAZ-SDBA100) into the CD player unit, the DVD player unit, or the BD player unit of a known-good vehicle.

6. Play the tracks at the same volume level and the same bass, treble, balance, and fader settings as used in step 3 in the customer's vehicle.

7. Listen to the same area of the track that stood out as being either very clear or poorer than other areas of the track.

8. Compare the vehicle's sound quality results to the known-good vehicle's results.

• If the sound quality in the customer's vehicle is comparable to the sound quality in the known-good vehicle, then the customer's vehicle is operating as designed.
• If the sound quality is not comparable, check these items in order:
• • Loose or improperly installed speakers or other hardware that may become excited by the vibrations generated by the speakers
  • Damaged speaker(s)
  • Faulty audio unit or audio-navigation unit
  • Faulty CD player unit, the DVD player unit, or the BD player unit
  • Faulty stereo amplifier
  • Aftermarket accessories