Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do you fix ground loop noise in a car?

I recently replaced my car stereo and rewired the whole system, but now there’s a whining noise coming from the speakers. My friend, an avid musician, says it sounds like a ground loop. Is there a way to fix the ground loop noise in my car?

avatar
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It sounds like your friend may be right, and I’m sorry you went through all the hassle of replacing and rewiring your car’s stereo just to hear a whining noise!
The whining sound you’re hearing is caused by two components grounded in locations with different ground potentials. Since the fix is quite technical, it helps to have technical audio knowledge.
To fix the problem yourself, you’ll need to take apart your sound system and attach several components’ grounds directly to the chassis in the same place. Alternatively, if the idea of taking apart your new sound system and having to put it all back together sounds like a bit much, you can install a ground loop isolator, although this won’t get to the root of the problem.
If this is a bit too advanced for you, consider taking your car to an audio professional or shop specializing in car sound systems.
To help offset the cost of professional repairs, use
Jerry
to save on your
car insurance
. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy. The average Jerry driver saves $887 a year.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings