[JohnnyGT]

I recently purchased and took delivery of a 2016 GT350 with the Sync 3 head unit and the standard 4 speakers. Last week I took the car in to have the audio system upgraded by swapping the stock speakers with Focal K2 Power 165KRXS, adding an Alpine PDX-V9 Amp and a JL Audio Stealthbox. Driving away from the installer, I noticed engine noise emitting from the left and right channels as I accelerated. I do not remember the sound being present prior to the upgrades. The sound commences at between 3,000 and 4,000 RPMs and fades out above that level. I spoke with a representative from the Ford SVT team who guarantees me that the sound is not being generated by the head unit and is the result of poor installation. The installer is pointing at the head unit. Any and all help is appreciated.

thanks

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.

 

[GT_Dave]

There has been one other complaint like yours in the past 6 weeks. Is this noise engine ignition static?
It sounds like the feed to the amplifier isn't grounded or shielded properly.

 

[JohnnyGT]

More of a hollowing knocking sound that is in line with the engine revs. The interesting thing is that it doesn't happen when parked or while the car is out of gear at the same RPMs.

 

[Limey]

I have talked to several other 350 owners and some have the audio issue and some don't. Talked to one owner in CA with Chassis number 3209 which is pretty close to my 4592 and he has zero sound quality issues. Talked to another owner in Arizona Chassis number 431 and again no sound quality issues at all. I'm leaning toward your assumption that the incorrect Sync 3 unit or software was introduced into some GT350's and not others. Did Ford ever respond on a way to check?

 

[Tankman]

I have asked if there is a way to check the hardware/software of the unit and have not received a response.

Read through this thread for info on how to turn off sound enhancement ...

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

 

[Dr. IDO VUDU]

There has been one other complaint like yours in the past 6 weeks. Is this noise engine ignition static?
It sounds like the feed to the amplifier isn't grounded or shielded properly.

This is exactly my thoughts. I once installed car audio (its been 20 years) and this exact issue would happen when grounding was poor or the current (power) was greater than the ability to ground the power. Things that contribute to this is actual grounding to metal that is not well grounded itself (as in free floating and attached to plastic components) and or interference such as thick paint or non-conductive metals.

Take it from me, a Dr!

 

[racer172]

This is exactly my thoughts. I once installed car audio (its been 20 years) and this exact issue would happen when grounding was poor or the current (power) was greater than the ability to ground the power. Things that contribute to this is actual grounding to metal that is not well grounded itself (as in free floating and attached to plastic components) and or interference such as thick paint or non-conductive metals.Take it from me, a Dr!

I don't know if you saw one of my other install posts, if not then this is the install we did in the trunk, keeping the stock speakers. Huge improvement, no drawbacks or compromises.