Delco Audio Amplifier '97-'00

[jtj143]

Hey guys, I realize that this area is for radio mods & such, but I'm completely lost when it comes to this stuff....so just looking for some input & advice on a factory system please.
We are talking about a 1999 Suburban (classic body style) - We purchased, off eBay, a factory Delco AM/FM CD head unit that had been modified with an AUX. jack in front to run the iPod through. This worked great for about a year.
We began to notice intermittent 'dead' spots in audio output. It didn't seem to matter what the input was, CD, AUX, or radio signal - the radio would cease to produce sound.

It seems possible that the radio was somehow damaged during the modification, or it's just old...and after a year of use we noticed the decreased performance.

I've stumbled across a piece of audio hardware called an Audio Amplifier part# 16218461. I wonder if this could cause the intermittent problem?

How would you approach this problem?
How can the Audio Amplifier be tested?
If we were to install an aftermarket head unit, is the GM Amplifier still necessary?

I want to be able to play my iPod through the speaker system in the truck, and I want the dash to look nice.

Help....suggestions.....advice?? THANKS!!!

[jtj143]

This is still a mysterious piece of equipment to me...a simple explanation of what the Audio Amplifier is, what it does, and how to test it would be extremely helpful. Pretty please.

[Andy4639]

If I remember correctly that is like a regular amp. If it goes bad then the radio doesn't put out any sound. If U buy a after market radio U want need it.
The stock radio's had that and the head unit and if either one went out U had no sound.
I have no idea on how to test it though.

[king-918]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

If I remember correctly that is like a regular amp. If it goes bad then the radio doesn't put out any sound. If U buy a after market radio U want need it.
The stock radio's had that and the head unit and if either one went out U had no sound.
I have no idea on how to test it though.

Just replace radio better quality can be had with even a cheap pioneer

[48cj2a]

I've had similar problems for the whole time owning my 98 Yukon (since 99) with the same amp. Sent it in once when under warranty and they found no problems.

I mainly have the dead output in extreme weather changes like very cold if the radio volume is a little over normal level (turned up for a good tune).

I've replaced the amp with good used ones and still continues to do it...love to learn the cause since the Delco products sound and quality in my opinion are darn good!

This is not an ad but I have a couple spares for cheap if you want to try...its located above the gas pedal.

[motornut]

dependimg on the "mod" i could see the contact in the "plug" breaking loose
when you insert the plug,a part moves inside disconnecting the "input"
i've seen it with Tvs,radios,Iphones too,more so using the smaller 1/8 headphones instead of the old 1/4.

[gmachinz]

I can't think of a good way to test it other than pull it out and do a battery bench test using known,good speakers and your head unit. You'd have to look up a wiring diagram for it to keep it all organized. The amp is line level in and out carries a small signal with it. And, most GM high end speakers are 2 ohm.

[motornut]

Originally Posted by gmachinz

I can't think of a good way to test it other than pull it out and do a battery bench test using known,good speakers and your head unit. You'd have to look up a wiring diagram for it to keep it all organized. The amp is line level in and out carries a small signal with it. And, most GM high end speakers are 2 ohm.

maybe try to insert a "plastic" small poke-able 1/8th pin ,tooth-pick maybe?
should see the shine of the moving contact point with a good light
see how loose it is,does it move out of the way? or bend/move right