And I mean it. Last week, I was about to scream when I couldn't get my center console box to open. I was happy to read-up on this not being a lone ranger event. Despite having read nearly every article about the air-actuated lock, and holding down the central lock button, and touching my nose while drinking a glass of milk while standing on my head..

Nothing worked. Then for some reason, I opened my glove box, which wasn't locked because I was in my garage and while it was open, tried my center box and it flew right open. I would chalk it up to coincidence, but I've been watching NCIS and Gibbs believes there is no such thing.... Anyway, since I don't want to F* it up further, I'm just going to hope it never happens again and always put my work ID badge in the glove box that I can TRUST. (The central button, while giving a noise for the other locks when activated made no sound that would've led me to believe it even works on the center box).

Now, I've been having problems with the incessant STINK that comes from A/C usage, but am happy to have learned that I need a new charcoal cabin filter and have tracked down a FRAM CF8770A Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter on Amazon (for $25.11).

NOW.. before the praise goes to anyone's head. I do have a serious problem that needs help.

When driving at a low speed, Broomstick 2.0, suffers from a hideous metal clanking sound. It's been inspected in the shop twice and nothing was found. The service rep thought it might be something loose within the wheel rim and did some securing of some sort, but I wasn't convinced, and I heard it within 10 feet of driving out (after dumping $40 on nothing, obviously). Has anyone else experienced something like this? The rep says that everything is connected/secure/safe underneath, but it sounds like I'm driving an honest to god clunker. The sound is somewhat random, has no rhythm and only occurs when I'm driving slow (like a fast food drive through, or a parking lot).

If you can direct me toward something to try/look at, or tell the mechanic, I'd sure appreciate. The Crossfire is a head turner, but mine's turning heads for the WRONG reason!

Your help is appreciated since I'm obviously a little frustrated by the ordeal.

 

Gibb's rule #23 : be more specific.
front, rear ?
left/right side or center ?
does it do it in reverse also ?

Have someone drive by you real slow, or walk along with it and see if you can isolate the location.

 

Emergency brake? Just guessing here. Check that it's working and not flopping around inside the hub.

Les

 

maybe you should just not ever drive slow

 

~As much as I'd like to never drive slow... Well.. Paying for premium sucks as it is. I try to guzzle gas in a semi-conservative manner.

~IAW #23: The sounds seems to be concentrated toward the front, center. No farther back than driver's seat.. though that's almost the rear in XF terms. Even when pulling into the garage, where the sound could bounce back on the right wall, it seems to be moreso on the left. I saw previous posts about a bandit sway bar, but "everything is secure" means that's not it, or the mechanic is blind.

Noise does not occur when in reverse.

E-brake functions as is it should, as does disengagement. It's definitely working when I forget and try to reverse or drive off.

I wish to do a walk along, but haven't had the opportunity. I'd like to crouch closer to the ground, but I dunno if I trust anyone enough to not run my head over.

Last night I got wrapped around the axle in trying to improve my poor sound quality/volume. Opening the panel the amp hides under is a 13ITCH... Especially without the right metric socket. I ended up using a pliers, mirror and tasty flashlight. I didn't accomplish anything but did take pictures since I didn't see any when browsing the gallery.

Anyway, I've received previous recommendations, that I now know I probably can't implement on my own (here comes payday for Mr. Local Audio Store). But before I try, please let me know how F***d I am: I've read that the amp needs at LEAST 4 Volts to work well, and I found this from my head unit's documentation: You'llfind separate front, rear, subwoofer, and line-level RCA pre-amp outputs on theback of PD-931NB, all 2V max. Is there anyway to increase this, or combine power?

Or... am I F**d until I buy a new head unit? I hope I'm not. I've really grown to like it and have nearly memorized the button locations that hide behind it.

 

I run an old Alpine in mine with the 2v pre-amp outs.
I initially tried to use the pre-amps, but even with the volume all the way up, it wasn't loud enough.
I just wired the HU's speaker wires to the amp and it works just fine, plenty of volume.

I printed out the wiring for the Alpine, and the wiring from the stock radio.
Taped the 2 sheets together and connected the dots, easy peasy Japanesey.


TASTY flashlight ?

 

"Tasty Flashlight" = frees up two hands..

Realize your volume is not going to increase as you are still running through the same amp. "Unless" you already have an aftermarket installed with 2v outputs being used.
Joys of a used car.. replacing the wife's "new to her" Vett's HU this weekend and get to figure out what the previous owner has done when the original was replaced.

Um.. where are you located? There are a few members around that don't mind helping with hands on..

 

As to the problem with the "vinegar" smell, you could change out the cabin filters, but you might try using the "rest" button on the center stack everytime you exit the car after using the A/C. It runs the blower after you leave the car for about 30 minutes. It clears out the plenum and helps with the bothersome smell. Hope this helps!

 

SIG says "North of the border - AZ", also that age is 32 ( for whatever that is worth. )
also note no mention of hubbie, so AZ members might be MORE than willing to help

 

Wonder how far from Tucson DJ is.. might get him back involved with the forum..

 

DJ is a mythical character that was once renowned for amazing fixes/updates.
I think there is now a memorial statue of him in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

 

Hmmm.... Would this DJ fella be a Tighed? He &I actually work for the same organization in that little SV town. Got me the Febreze air cabin filter and have been using the rest button, well as turning off the AC well before I reach my destination. It's helping a LOT! Am going to take the pre amp out/speaker out issue to the ”Specialists” to rewire. I noticed that when I play the radio, the output is better and louder than my other sources. Wonder if it's the radio waves assisting. (Or I need to pay for a good mp3 normalizer) .
Nonetheless, yes. I'm 32, female, single, and live in Sierra Vista. On-On!

 

LMAO....this dirty ole' man is really enjoying the read here....And IF DJ is alive and well, tell him to report in once and awhile....quit being a stranger...

 

YES! and tell him if he is not going to be doing the RCM swaps anymore, please return the free one I sent him. Perhaps I can help some members out ......

 

Think that's $5.00 shipping isn't it..

Bet that DJ guy could help out on the stereo.. dunno how much I'd trust an audio shop, not like this is your Father's buick.. LOL.

Edit: there are threads where the train has jumped track and hit the bridge.. One that comes to mind.. guy was adding I believe a digital or aftermarket speedometer.. they fried his cars system.. "but they new what they were doing"..

 

wow someone else under 40 driving a Crossfire? must be my lucky day

 

Update: I was wrong.. The noise DOES occur when in reverse. Boo.. I uploaded some pictures of my stereo. It's the one that I'm having volume/quality issues with, but I've really become fond of it. CrossfireForum.org - AnissaRose's Album: Broomstick 2.0 - Picture