sound system speaker

[chrisday1990]

Drivers side rear speaker (not door speaker) on my Emira has started blowing. The car has the upgraded sound system.


I am looking for the correct part number for the drivers door speaker used with the upgraded system, and whether it is supplied as an individual speaker or as part of a larger door assembly.


Useful to know if this is a common issue and how it is typically handled under warranty.

 

[Medic518]

Note the foam in place. Just tested it with a high bass track. I'd say there was some improvement, but can't say it was a fix.

The vent contraption does feel fairly firmly fixed. I do wonder if removing it and then perhaps covering (mummifying) the front of it in fabric tape, would have a greater effect.

Interesting, my slapping sound literally disappeared. Have you installed a sub as well, or just the foam?

Just to clarify, the tape solution was to make the vent tighter in the hole, to hold it in place better - NOT to stop the flapping sound. I would say you would definitely stop the slapping sound by taping it up, but can't say what you would sacrifice by restricting the airflow totally (i.e. what damage it may cause - I have no idea..).

 

[hellograeme74]

Interesting, my slapping sound literally disappeared. Have you installed a sub as well, or just the foam?

Just to clarify, the tape solution was to make the vent tighter in the hole, to hold it in place better - NOT to stop the flapping sound. I would say you would definitely stop the slapping sound by taping it up, but can't say what you would sacrifice by restricting the airflow totally (i.e. what damage it may cause - I have no idea..).

You are right about the vent, don’t want to tape up / restrict that. Could cause other issues.

I’ve got the foam in place. Will continue to test.

No, not done anything re the sub. Can’t help but wonder if you could swap out the sub speaker, with something of better quality - wonder if it’s a standard fit. Anyone searched for one of those?

 

[Medic518]

You are right about the vent, don’t want to tape up / restrict that. Could cause other issues.

I’ve got the foam in place. Will continue to test.

No, not done anything re the sub. Can’t help but wonder if you could swap out the sub speaker, with something of better quality - wonder if it’s a standard fit. Anyone searched for one of those?

There are other threads looking at replacing/upgrading. Not sure if there is a direct replacement, I found it easier to add a very small sub and it worked out well.. If you are looking for suggestions, I added the Pioneer WX010A to the rear deck splitting off of the OEM sub wires and connecting power to the unused 12v lug and fuse box opposite the OEM sub.

 

[hellograeme74]

Quick update: had a 30 min drive around town earlier. certainly some noticeable improvement with the windows cracked open, especially if i nudged bass level in the Equaliser down to say -1 or -2. Previously at this level i was getting the blown speaker effect, even at just mid level volume.

So overall, an easy fix with some foam does seem to have an improving effect. But, i suspect getting a small sub for the rear deck is the proper answer.

 

[hellograeme74]

There are other threads looking at replacing/upgrading. Not sure if there is a direct replacement, I found it easier to add a very small sub and it worked out well.. If you are looking for suggestions, I added the Pioneer WX010A to the rear deck splitting off of the OEM sub wires and connecting power to the unused 12v lug and fuse box opposite the OEM sub.

Oh that is interesting, and I am guessing a fairly inexpensive way to solve it. Did you just disconnect the OEM sub completely (which it sounds like you did). Do it yourself or take it in to an audio shop? Did you just velcro it to the deck?

Do you find this has mostly solved the blown speaker effect when windows cracked?

Lastly, where did you manage to tuck the wiring?

 

[Medic518]

Did you just disconnect the OEM sub completely

I did initially, but went back in a reconnected. DId it myself, I used T-Wire taps to connect the signal wires to the sub (like other members did). I was going to de-pin and connect a new 4 wire plug, but ended up just using the taps. So as it stands, both OEM and Aftermarket sub connected, and the foam block in place produces a really enjoyable sound, and yes it solved the slapping sound (Bass set 4-5 on head unit) - now debating installing the Alpine tweeters in the a-pillars (there is a thread on this too..)

If you look back at the picture of the foam block I posted you will see the red and white wire bundles - those are the tapped sub wires.. They are all friction taped and are tucked across the bottom behind the back wall (which is easily removed with 6 bolts). The sub plug just pokes out on the bottom, between the flooring board and the back wall board, and plugs in on the bottom of the sub (which is facing the back wall, sub is installed on its side). Only other thing I did was wrap the sub in Alcantara to look a little more OEM - down firing sub, so speaker grill is facing the back wall.

 

[hellograeme74]

I did initially, but went back in a reconnected. DId it myself, I used T-Wire taps to connect the signal wires to the sub (like other members did). I was going to de-pin and connect a new 4 wire plug, but ended up just using the taps. So as it stands, both OEM and Aftermarket sub connected, and the foam block in place produces a really enjoyable sound, and yes it solved the slapping sound (Bass set 4-5 on head unit) - now debating installing the Alpine tweeters in the a-pillars (there is a thread on this too..)

If you look back at the picture of the foam block I posted you will see the red and white wire bundles - those are the tapped sub wires.. They are all friction taped and are tucked across the bottom behind the back wall (which is easily removed with 6 bolts). The sub plug just pokes out on the bottom, between the flooring board and the back wall board, and plugs in on the bottom of the sub (which is facing the back wall, sub is installed on its side). Only other thing I did was wrap the sub in Alcantara to look a little more OEM - down firing sub, so speaker grill is facing the back wall.

That's all super helpful - thank you. I think I may well do this. Interesting that you continue to have the OEM sub connected also.

 

[hellograeme74]

For anyone else looking, this is the mini sub in question. Pioneer TS-WX010A | Ultra Compact Space Saving Active Subwoofer

 

[meenboli]

Ok, so just ordered a piece if 1" thick high density polyurethane foam from amazon - £7. Aim to perhaps just put same fabric tape around the perimeter of the vent, then just cut the foam to size and just wedge it between the vent and the sub. Will report back in a few days - will it cure the blown speaker effect - i wonder.

View attachment 81474. View attachment 81475

Whereabouts in the UK are you based Graeme? I've been trying to resolve this issue for 18 months - if you remove the vent completely the blown speaker effect is cured - not a recommended solution obviously. The odd parts is why do not all cars have the problem (if the vent is the issue?)

 

[meenboli]

Note the foam in place. Just tested it with a high bass track. I'd say there was some improvement, but can't say it was a fix.

The vent contraption does feel fairly firmly fixed. I do wonder if removing it and then perhaps covering (mummifying) the front of it in fabric tape, would have a greater effect.

View attachment 81556

Remove it and go for a drive - when I did this the problem was gone - I've put it back in for the time being (for obvious reasons) - I'm waiting for Lotus to give me a spare so I can replicate it and hopefully resolve the problem. I like to know if removing it also resolved it for you...

 

[hellograeme74]

Whereabouts in the UK are you based Graeme? I've been trying to resolve this issue for 18 months - if you remove the vent completely the blown speaker effect is cured - not a recommended solution obviously. The odd parts is why do not all cars have the problem (if the vent is the issue?)

Hi - i'm in Edinburgh. I actually spoke earlier to someone at the dealership, as car going in soon to get the drivers door done. I'm the first person he's had mentioning this issue, though on the forum it does seem a widespread issue - i guess some don't play bass heavy music, crucially with the windows cracked. I'm looking for a Lotus suggested fix ideally, but I will do what others have done if they can't suggest anything. I'm sure I read somewhere that the newer cars may have had a tweak in this area, suggesting its a known issue and it's been fixed in newer cars - not sure though.

Makes sense that the blown speaker effect is caused by the proximity of the sub to this vent. Interesting that by having a supplementary mini sub installed on the deck seems to cure the issue.

 

[hellograeme74]

Remove it and go for a drive - when I did this the problem was gone - I've put it back in for the time being (for obvious reasons) - I'm waiting for Lotus to give me a spare so I can replicate it and hopefully resolve the problem. I like to know if removing it also resolved it for you...

Care to share any tips for removing it? Can you remove it via the inside of the car? Seems to have some clips holding it in place. Happy to give that a go.

 

[hellograeme74]

Whereabouts in the UK are you based Graeme? I've been trying to resolve this issue for 18 months - if you remove the vent completely the blown speaker effect is cured - not a recommended solution obviously. The odd parts is why do not all cars have the problem (if the vent is the issue?)

Yes, you'd think more people would be complaining about it if everyone had this issue. I'm not looking for higher volume, i just want to eliminate blown speaker effect if I crack the window at any volume - does not need to be loud to hear the blown effect.

 

[meenboli]

Yes, you'd think more people would be complaining about it if everyone had this issue. I'm not looking for higher volume, i just want to eliminate blown speaker effect if I crack the window at any volume - does not need to be loud to hear the blown effect.

Exactly the same as me that - it's not volume related and sound like the plasticky flaps (that look like denim but are not) are causing the vibration - but then why don't they all do it? it's a mystery - which makes me think it's actually something else that vibrates in resonance to the flap movement, but not the flaps vibrating themselves.

I didn't actually remove it - the dealer did (they've been quite helpful, but not successful!) and you have to remove the wheel arch cover and pull it out from the wheel arch side.

You may be able to do this from the inside, but I'm not sure how.

I'm waiting for them to give me a spare one (they're not allowed to release it to me yet) - then I was going to model it up and 3D print one in Carbon Fibre PETG - without any flaps at all, but with some internal 'tube' routing to allow air movement without water ingress.

That's my plan anyway.

 

[hellograeme74]

Exactly the same as me that - it's not volume related and sound like the plasticky flaps (that look like denim but are not) are causing the vibration - but then why don't they all do it? it's a mystery - which makes me think it's actually something else that vibrates in resonance to the flap movement, but not the flaps vibrating themselves.

I didn't actually remove it - the dealer did (they've been quite helpful, but not successful!) and you have to remove the wheel arch cover and pull it out from the wheel arch side.

You may be able to do this from the inside, but I'm not sure how.

I'm waiting for them to give me a spare one (they're not allowed to release it to me yet) - then I was going to model it up and 3D print one in Carbon Fibre PETG - without any flaps at all, but with some internal 'tube' routing to allow air movement without water ingress.

That's my plan anyway.

Lotus should have you on the pay roll for a fix! Where are you based? I'm of the same opinion as you right now, i want to fix this. Adding an extra sub would only be a solution to mask the underlying issue, and is all expense too - once i bought the sub and paid someone a couple of hours, easily that is a £300 fix.

 

[meenboli]

Lotus should have you on the pay roll for a fix! Where are you based? I'm of the same opinion as you right now, i want to fix this. Adding an extra sub would only be a solution to mask the underlying issue, and is all expense too - once i bought the sub and paid someone a couple of hours, easily that is a £300 fix.

I'm in Bolton - and have an engineering company - 'nothing we can't make' is my internal slogan (get's me into all kinds of trouble, not usually serious ).

I had to leave early yesterday so couldn't reply.

I've had the Emira in to H R Owen in Stockport a few times to try and sort this issue. The technician there can't always hear what I'm trying to describe, but to me it's horrendous. It's also much worse from the driver's seat rather than the passengers as the Sub is directly behind you.

I've stopped listening to the stereo with the windows down (or even just a crack) because, as you will know, it's just horrible if you have this problem.

So, they removed it completely and I went for a drive, and the problem went away - completely.

We discussed simply leaving it out, but it's clearly there to protect from water ingress, (it's really there to stop your windscreen blowing out when you shut the doors - which is handy!).

When they removed mine, it was damaged on one of the clips - so they replaced it with a new one - but it made no difference at all. That's why I think it's actually something else vibrating that the vent flaps exacerbate, and removing the vent stops it - rather than it being the vent itself making the noise. The main reason I think this is that it's the only explanation I can come up with for why all the cars don't have the problem.

Anyway, I have to wait 3 months before it can be released to me (Lotus policy on exchange parts so the dealers don't simply give stuff away).

I'm about 6 weeks to go on that - then we will measure it all up a recreate it - but instead of flaps I intend to have S shaped tubes allowing air movement but no water ingress because the tubes will be predominantly vertical.

It might not work - but I'm a stickler for audio and one way or another I'll find a fix.
These things don't happen overnight - so be patient - but I'll be back when I've made progress

Cheers
Tony

 

[geoffbland]

Anyway, I have to wait 3 months before it can be released to me (Lotus policy on exchange parts so the dealers don't simply give stuff away).

I've never heard of that policy? I was able to exchange my ECU and the seat panels pretty much as soon as they were in stock.

 

[hellograeme74]

I'm in Bolton - and have an engineering company - 'nothing we can't make' is my internal slogan (get's me into all kinds of trouble, not usually serious ).

I had to leave early yesterday so couldn't reply.

I've had the Emira in to H R Owen in Stockport a few times to try and sort this issue. The technician there can't always hear what I'm trying to describe, but to me it's horrendous. It's also much worse from the driver's seat rather than the passengers as the Sub is directly behind you.

I've stopped listening to the stereo with the windows down (or even just a crack) because, as you will know, it's just horrible if you have this problem.

So, they removed it completely and I went for a drive, and the problem went away - completely.

We discussed simply leaving it out, but it's clearly there to protect from water ingress, (it's really there to stop your windscreen blowing out when you shut the doors - which is handy!).

When they removed mine, it was damaged on one of the clips - so they replaced it with a new one - but it made no difference at all. That's why I think it's actually something else vibrating that the vent flaps exacerbate, and removing the vent stops it - rather than it being the vent itself making the noise. The main reason I think this is that it's the only explanation I can come up with for why all the cars don't have the problem.

Anyway, I have to wait 3 months before it can be released to me (Lotus policy on exchange parts so the dealers don't simply give stuff away).

I'm about 6 weeks to go on that - then we will measure it all up a recreate it - but instead of flaps I intend to have S shaped tubes allowing air movement but no water ingress because the tubes will be predominantly vertical.

It might not work - but I'm a stickler for audio and one way or another I'll find a fix.
These things don't happen overnight - so be patient - but I'll be back when I've made progress

Cheers
Tony

Nothing we can't make! I like it. Shame it's come to you having to engineer a solution that Lotus should be doing. I've raised this with my local dealership also - Lotus Glasgow. Pushing for some form of comment from Lotus on this. Enough cars are affected by it, that they are bound to know.

Your comment "That's why I think it's actually something else vibrating that the vent flaps exacerbate, and removing the vent stops it - rather than it being the vent itself making the noise. The main reason I think this is that it's the only explanation I can come up with for why all the cars don't have the problem."

I tend to agree. It does seem as though not 'everyone' suffers this issue - question is why - what is that 'something else'.

 

[hellograeme74]

Post related to this issue:

Solved: How to fix the blown subwoofer sound with windows open

I finally decided to tackle this problem today since I have a 3,000 mile road trip coming to the Lotus versus dragon event in a couple days. My stereo sounds fine until I open the windows and then it sounds like the subwoofer is blown. Very frustrating for a supposed premium sound system...

www.emiraforum.com

 

[hellograeme74]

Post related to this issue:

Solved: How to fix the blown subwoofer sound with windows open

I finally decided to tackle this problem today since I have a 3,000 mile road trip coming to the Lotus versus dragon event in a couple days. My stereo sounds fine until I open the windows and then it sounds like the subwoofer is blown. Very frustrating for a supposed premium sound system...

www.emiraforum.com

FYI - this 100% fixed my issue with the sub.