[JohnnyGT]

I recently purchased and took delivery of a 2016 GT350 with the standard 4 speaker audio system. Last week I took the car in to have the audio system upgraded by adding new speakers, an amplifier and a sub in the trunk. Driving away from the installer, I noticed engine noise emitting from the left and right front channels as I accelerated. The sound commences at between 3,000 and 4,000 RPMs and fades out above that level. I have read that Ford is piping in engine sounds on the Eco-Boost Mustangs. Does anyone know if this is the case on the GT350s? Was not really an issue with the stock equipment, but with the upgrades it sounds like a hollow-knocking. It only occurs while the car is moving as revving the engine at a standstill does not result in sound from the speakers. I would very much like to turn it off if anyone knows how.

Thanks

 

[Limey]

I had the same exact issue on my 2016 GT350 - sounded like George Jetson's space craft when I started driving and couldn't eliminate it no matter what we did.
I ended up with just replacing the factory speakers, kept the LC6i sound processor and 500w mono amp for the sup. Sounds better but the factory head unit doesn't drive the Kappa 100w coaxial speakers. Pretty disappointing.
According to some experts I talked to there is nothing that can be done (for now) short of replacing the head using.. which I'm not going to do.

 

[JohnnyGT]

Sync 3 csc active noise control

As a follow-up to my earlier post. my installer dialed down the gain on the amp and the noise level is much lower. I have spoken with both the local Ford dealer as well as with the Special Vehicles Team and both believe that the noise is due to the wiring. One interesting note, my installer accidently hit the trunk button and the sound went away completely. This fact seems to completely contradict the guidance from Ford that the noise is a result of interference somewhere in the loop of the added components while the vehicle is under load. I think the issue could be some quality control at the Flat Rock plant with the wrong SYNC 3 systems being put in the vehicles. Ford uses the SYNC 3 to introduce engine noise into the interior of the vehicle in other Mustang models. I have asked if there is a way to check the hardware/software of the unit and have not received a response.

 

[Limey]

My installer tested the wiring theory by plugging in an iphone directly to the amp wires from behind the head unit and the noise went away completely so we determined the source of the noise was coming from the head unit itself and not the routing of the wires.
Interesting about the trunk button.

 

[JohnnyGT]

My installer tested the wiring theory by plugging in an iphone directly to the amp wires from behind the head unit and the noise went away completely so we determined the source of the noise was coming from the head unit itself and not the routing of the wires.
Interesting about the trunk button.

Did your installer drive the car while the iPhone was attached. I have no issue while the car is not moving.

 

[Limey]

Yes.. We drove the car around the block through most all the gears and zero feedback noise playing from my iPhone.
After that the owner of the shop offered to replace the head unit at his cost but I was unwilling to do that. I talked to another installer in LA near Galpin Ford and he said they tried to de-program that feature out of the software without success.

 

[JohnnyGT]

Thanks for the reply. Picking up the car from the shop today. Going to drive it around over the weekend and see if I leave it the same or swap the amp out and go direct from the head unit to the speakers. Would be nice to know the cause of the noise.

 

[Limey]

JohnnyGT.. any updates this issue?

 

[JohnnyGT]

Still trying to decide whether I return to the stock amplification. With the gain dialed down the sound is better. Still disappointed in Fords lack of help.

 

[Limey]

What is puzzling to me is I talked to several other 2016 GT350 owners at a recent GT350 Track Attack event in Utah (I highly recommend by the way) that have modified their sound systems and have zero issues.
Even got the number for one of the install shops, Motortrendz in Arizona, and they really didn't do anything special at all. They used the LC6I, JL Audio stealthbox sub, the 5-channel JL amp with the C2 coax instead of components (front and rear), left the factory tweeters in. No engine whine or noise.

 

[kdowns72]

I have a 2017 GT350 and have the exact same issues. My stock system was the 9-Speaker. I've upgraded to all JL Audio w/ a 12" Stealthbox in the trunk. The processor is an Audio Control DQ-61. When I get above 3,500 RPM's the exhaust sound begins to come through the speakers. When I reach around 5,000 RPM's it gets LOUD and I have to back off so I don't damage them. I have my installer checking in to it as well.

One guy did mention (above) that the Sync 3 systems going in the GT350's may have been for another vehicle using Active Noise Control. Its a good point but keep in mind that these systems use additional microphones installed in your head liner. One in the front and one in the rear is what Ive read.

Either way I need to find out and will update you guys if I do. If there is no fix I will be returning the system to stock.

Thanks

 

[Spitfire]

... I have read that Ford is piping in engine sounds on the Eco-Boost Mustangs. Does anyone know if this is the case on the GT350s? ...

Thanks

I know one of the original development engineers for the GT350 -- I asked this question of him and he said other models of Mustang do have artificial engine sounds pumped into the cabin, but the GT350 DOES NOT.

 

[NakMan]

You guys need to read up on using Forscan SW and an OBD II dongle to disable Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE) which pipes in synthesized engine noise through the audio system. Here's a link:

GT350 FORScan Tweaks - 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, GT350, GT500, Mach 1, Ecoboost) - Mustang6G.com

Hard to believe FP thought this was necessary on the GT350, but I disabled it and it made a big improvement, IMO. Some others actually preferred ESE and turned it back on.

NakMan

 

[GT_Dave]

I know one of the original development engineers for the GT350 -- I asked this question of him and he said other models of Mustang do have artificial engine sounds pumped into the cabin, but the GT350 DOES NOT.

Your development engineer doesn't have a clue what is really in the GT350's and is totally wrong. It has been proven that there is enhanced engine sound routed into the sound system on the GT350's. I have turned mine off, and then turned it back on, cause it does sound better. Like mentioned above, the 6G thread has all the data and the guys upgrading their amps should definitely give this a try.
If you live around the west burbs of Chicago, I have my OBD link and my laptop available if anyone wants to try switching some of the options, like the R splash screen or the enhanced sound. Or turn on your transmission temperature gauge on the dash in Base or Tech models.

 

[Spitfire]

Your development engineer doesn't have a clue what is really in the GT350's and is totally wrong. It has been proven that there is enhanced engine sound routed into the sound system on the GT350's. I have turned mine off, and then turned it back on, cause it does sound better. Like mentioned above, the 6G thread has all the data and the guys upgrading their amps should definitely give this a try.
If you live around the west burbs of Chicago, I have my OBD link and my laptop available if anyone wants to try switching some of the options, like the R splash screen or the enhanced sound. Or turn on your transmission temperature gauge on the dash in Base or Tech models.

Ummmm, don't know why he's wrong about this trivial aspect of the car, but he (and his team) sure did appear to know a heck of a lot about the GT350 when they were developing and hammering pre-production samples around a race track. I'll be sure to let him know that he doesn't have a clue about what's in the car LOL.

If they really are enhancing the sound, I'd like to have it turned off in mine ... will ask my dealer if they can do this.

 

[Ronaldwalter]

I currently have A Focus RS and looking to get a GT350. On the RS you can unplug the fake engine noise easily. Can this be done with the current GT350?

 

[johnny1]

You can't unplug the fake noise but I believe I've read where it can be programmed out with a tune of sorts. Some have said they liked it better with the sound left alone though.

 

[racer172]

It has been proven that there is enhanced engine sound routed into the sound system on the GT350's.

yeah they call it "active feedback" and it's really common on the Shaker systems in other cars like BMWs as well.
Our car also has option code ICQAB (ICE NOISE REDUCTION MODULE) which means that it has ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION.
I am also in the process of upgrading the sounds system, I took my car into my installer yesterday and we determined that the my stock 9-speaker system is just fine, so we are planning to install an amp, sub, and EQ all in the trunk and then "tune" the system. BUT first before we order the $1,600 in components I am taking the car to them on Monday so they can disconnect the 2 active-noise cancellation mics in the cabin and then test test my voice-command interface with Apple Car Play, I'm not willing to lose that. I will report back after Monday's test.

 

[Elean0r]

Here are the wiring diagrams from the Ford manual, you may try disconnecting the wires that feed the signal to the ACM.

 

[racer172]

Here are the wiring diagrams from the Ford manual, you may try disconnecting the wires that feed the signal to the ACM.

ElearnOr, I just starting my stereo system upgrade, my installer ran my VIN# to bring up my build codes (I have a '17) which showed it had the option code ICQAB (ICE NOISE REDUCTION MODULE) which means that it has ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION and along with the exhaust noise feedback system (Active Feedback). The build codes also showed that I have a 10 speaker system (9 main speakers and a subwoofer). THIS WAS ALL WRONG.

My installer dug into my car so we have a game plan on what components to order.
My car DOES NOT have the upgraded stereo system because there is NO subwoofer in the car.
Nor does it have the mics in the front & rear that would be required for the ICQAB, so no noise cancellation or active exhaust feedback in my car either.
I do have the 9 speakers.

So now what we know what we are dealing with we've order the components, install will be next week.
But FYI those wiring diagrams & codes were not accurate on my car. You have to dig in to find out what is there.

PS: if you want to see what we are doing here is my thread, go to post #3 http://www.gt350.org/forum/9-mustang-gt350-general-discussions/4338-my-car-s-stereo.html