Electrical Issue?

[Bronco Maniac]

I have noticed when I honk the horn and when I turn the ignition to start the engine while the radio is playing, I get a tick sound from the radio speakers. Is this a ground issue? If so, how do I resolve the issue? Any thoughts? Not a big issue, but would like to eliminate it. Thanks.

Well I thought I was still in the Tech section. Oh well.

 

[chuckji]

more Information needed.
What components does this audio system consist of?
In what modes (AM/FM/CD/...) do you hear the noise?
Did the problem just start? Did the problem coincide with other electrical work?
And just to make sure, is what you’re hearing sound like a single pop noise when you honk the horn or first engage the starter?
Sorry, last question, are you hearing the noise when you’re in the garage, or do you also hear it outside in open area?

 

[Bronco Maniac]

Radio, amp and four speakers.
CD Mode, do not use other modes.
Just noticed the problem. Maybe I had not honked the horn while the music was playing.
Single pop noise. I hear it inside the garage and outside.

 

[chuckji]

Since you’re hearing the noise in CD mode, that means it’s likely not being radiated and picked up by the antenna. Probably related to +12V or ground connection.

Your radio likely has two +12V connections - a red accessory and a yellow battery. The amp has a battery connection, a ground and a trigger that connects to the radio (commonly a blue or blue/white wire at the radio).

The conditions you described as causing the noise may, or not be related.
What brand/model radio and amp are you using?

Easy things to check:
Radio and amplifier ground connection are secure and there is no paint or rust at the grounding bolt. Ideally, the radio and amplifier are grounded at the same point.
The amplifier +12 connection is directly to the battery - be sure to fuse this connection as close to the battery as possible.

I’m guessing you’re using a relay to power your horn...?
If so, one commonality between the horn and starting the engine is a relay/solenoid. Both use a coil of wire to create an electromagnet when powered. These devices create large voltage spikes (positive and negative) on the +12V circuits. These spikes commonly cause pop noises in audio systems. So first thing to check would be your connections as noted above.

Also, does the radio and amp turn off when the ignition key is turned to the Start position?
If no, this may be the reason for your engine crank pop noise.

 

[Bronco Maniac]

The radio does not have an antennae. Kenwood radio and Kicker amp.

There is no paint at the ground connections. I will have to check to see that they are still secure.

Do not remember if they are grounded at same point. If Painless has radio connections, I can not remember, I used those for radio connections.

Amp is connected straight to battery and fused near battery.

I believe the horn relay is provided in the Painless harness. Not sure if the radio and amp turn off when the key is turned to the start position.

Thanks for your suggestions.