Head unit cooling
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From: NWOhioToledoArea
Car: 86-FireBird
Engine: -MPFI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Head unit cooling
Anyone else ever have heat problems when using your heater. with the onslaut of cold weather it only takes about 20 mins of the heat on high and im setting off heat error codes. I can run it on low speed much longer but im not allways warm enough.
I thought about a fan but there is not much room back there.
pioneer DEH-P4000
I thought about a fan but there is not much room back there.
pioneer DEH-P4000
Interesting question... and I have an interesting solution, which could work. I haven't tried this, it's theoretical, so work with me here.
If you have a 1-DIN unit, get a GM adapter plate that allows you to put a 1/2-DIN unit below it. They can be found at Pep Boys (where I got mine); they should come in a package with other GM adapter plates. I'm sure you can find them elsewhere, too. The fan will be tricky because of the power supply, but you can fit a computer exhaust fan there.
The problem is getting the correct power to it. Computer components run at ~3.5 volts, while car batteries push ~12 volts. So you just have to figure out how to adapt the power.
If you have a 1-DIN unit, get a GM adapter plate that allows you to put a 1/2-DIN unit below it. They can be found at Pep Boys (where I got mine); they should come in a package with other GM adapter plates. I'm sure you can find them elsewhere, too. The fan will be tricky because of the power supply, but you can fit a computer exhaust fan there.
The problem is getting the correct power to it. Computer components run at ~3.5 volts, while car batteries push ~12 volts. So you just have to figure out how to adapt the power.
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: NWOhioToledoArea
Car: 86-FireBird
Engine: -MPFI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Originally posted by TrueBlue91RS
Are you running your speakers off the deck too?
Are you running your speakers off the deck too?
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Supreme Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 8,113
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From: NWOhioToledoArea
Car: 86-FireBird
Engine: -MPFI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Originally posted by CaysE
Interesting question... and I have an interesting solution, which could work. I haven't tried this, it's theoretical, so work with me here.
If you have a 1-DIN unit, get a GM adapter plate that allows you to put a 1/2-DIN unit below it. They can be found at Pep Boys (where I got mine); they should come in a package with other GM adapter plates. I'm sure you can find them elsewhere, too. The fan will be tricky because of the power supply, but you can fit a computer exhaust fan there.
The problem is getting the correct power to it. Computer components run at ~3.5 volts, while car batteries push ~12 volts. So you just have to figure out how to adapt the power.
Interesting question... and I have an interesting solution, which could work. I haven't tried this, it's theoretical, so work with me here.
If you have a 1-DIN unit, get a GM adapter plate that allows you to put a 1/2-DIN unit below it. They can be found at Pep Boys (where I got mine); they should come in a package with other GM adapter plates. I'm sure you can find them elsewhere, too. The fan will be tricky because of the power supply, but you can fit a computer exhaust fan there.
The problem is getting the correct power to it. Computer components run at ~3.5 volts, while car batteries push ~12 volts. So you just have to figure out how to adapt the power.
I dont think my 86 has enough room.
My stero has only done it a few time in the heat of summer but only cause I had the car parked in the sun jamming tunes while we worked.
Guess i should also say the heat alarm/error code only affects the CD player, I can run the radio fine but once it gets too hot it takes a while before the CD will play again.
Originally posted by Gumby
yep, I also am using my sub outs.
yep, I also am using my sub outs.
Alternatively, you could hook your speakers up to an external amplifier. Not necessarily a cheap solution, but one that also gives you a marked improvement in sound quality and volume.
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Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: 3.1 V6
Transmission: 700R4
Originally posted by CaysE
The problem is getting the correct power to it. Computer components run at ~3.5 volts, while car batteries push ~12 volts. So you just have to figure out how to adapt the power.
The problem is getting the correct power to it. Computer components run at ~3.5 volts, while car batteries push ~12 volts. So you just have to figure out how to adapt the power.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: NWOhioToledoArea
Car: 86-FireBird
Engine: -MPFI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Originally posted by TrueBlue91RS
Using the sub outs isn't be a problem. But running the speakers off the head unit is a major contributor to the error codes you're experiencing. The internal amp in the head unit begins heating up as soon as the speakers are turned on and the heater is making it worse. You could try insulating around the heater conduits, or putting in a fan may work as well.
Alternatively, you could hook your speakers up to an external amplifier. Not necessarily a cheap solution, but one that also gives you a marked improvement in sound quality and volume.
Using the sub outs isn't be a problem. But running the speakers off the head unit is a major contributor to the error codes you're experiencing. The internal amp in the head unit begins heating up as soon as the speakers are turned on and the heater is making it worse. You could try insulating around the heater conduits, or putting in a fan may work as well.
Alternatively, you could hook your speakers up to an external amplifier. Not necessarily a cheap solution, but one that also gives you a marked improvement in sound quality and volume.
Originally posted by Freeze
a computer case fan is 12V
a computer case fan is 12V
Gumby: I don't have a picture of it; I haven't used that plate yet. I know a couple people have this setup, and your car should work fine with it. It looks like there isn't much room, but there's enough.
Originally posted by camaro6spd
^ sounds like a phony
^ sounds like a phony
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From: Lowell, MA
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the plate he is talking about is just the mounting kit. metra makes the best, and yes, they do supply in the kit a mount that allows for a single din and a 1/2 din (like an eq). i owned one myself. his idea is to modify it so that you can use the 1/2 din spot for a fan. good idea, but i wouldnt do it myself just because it would add more (although only a small amount) noise competing with my music. but, it is an interesting idea. so no, he's not lying
oh, and i'm sure there's a pic or two of one of these kits in my link.....
oh, and i'm sure there's a pic or two of one of these kits in my link..... Thread
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