Back Speakers Not Working in Car – Complete Guidelines!

If you’ve been driving in silence because your car speakers stopped working, we understand how frustrating that can be. A non-functional speaker system can result from multiple issues, from faulty wiring to more complex electrical problems. 

If your car’s back speakers aren’t working, check audio settings, and wiring connections, and ensure the speakers aren’t blown. Also, the amplifier and head unit should be inspected for potential issues.

In this article, we’ll walk you through all the potential causes, how to troubleshoot each, and what solutions might restore your sound system. For more details about speakers, begin your informational journey with Techysound.

Why Did My Car Speakers Stop Working?

If your car speakers have stopped working, it could be due to a blown fuse, loose wires, or bad speaker connections.

Blown Fuses:

A blown fuse is a common reason for speakers to fail. To check, find your car’s fuse box (usually under the dash), remove the audio system fuse, and see if it’s damaged. If it is, replace it with a fuse of the same type and rating, then test your audio system.

Loose Wires:

If the fuse isn’t the issue, the problem could be loose wiring. Over time, driving vibrations can loosen wires. Check the connections between the speakers and the amplifier behind the dash. Retighten any loose cables.  

If the cables are damaged, you may need to replace them with the correct size for your car.

Bad Speaker Connections:

If the wires and fuses are fine, the speaker connections themselves might be the problem. Dirt or corrosion on the speaker terminals can prevent proper connection. 

Disconnect the car battery, clean the speaker terminals with a vinegar solution, and reconnect everything securely. Then, test the system again.

By troubleshooting these issues, you can usually fix the problem. However, if none of this works, it’s a good idea to consult a professional like Sound Garage for help or replacements.

Ruling Out the Head Unit and Amplifier

If your head unit turns on but there’s no sound from the speakers, it’s easy to think the speakers are the issue. However, just because the head unit powers on doesn’t mean it’s working correctly. Before assuming it’s a speaker issue, follow these steps:

• Check for Anti-Theft Mode: Some head units require a car radio code to function again.
• Adjust Audio Settings: Verify that the volume, fade, and pan settings are correct.
• Test Different Audio Sources: Try using different inputs like radio, CD player, or auxiliary input.
• Check Fuses: Inspect any fuses related to the head unit for issues.
• Inspect Wires: Look for loose or unplugged wires connected to the head unit.

If the head unit appears fine, check if your system has an external amplifier. In cars with external amps, this is often the source of the problem because the audio signal must pass through it before reaching the speakers. Here’s how to inspect the amplifier:

• Ensure the Amp Turns On: Make sure the amplifier is powering up.
• Check for Protect Mode: See if the amp has entered protect mode, which shuts it down.
• Inspect Wiring: Look for loose or disconnected input and output wires.
• Test Fuses: Check both inline fuses and those inside the amplifier.

If everything looks fine with the amp but you still have no sound, the amp might have failed. You may need to bypass the amplifier to confirm that the head unit and speakers are functioning, or consider installing a new aftermarket amp.

How to Tell If Car Speakers Are Blown?

It’s easy to know when car speakers blow if you’re there when it happens, as they’ll stop working or sound distorted immediately. However, if it happens when you’re not around, it might take some investigation to confirm.

The most reliable way to check if your speakers are blown is to disconnect the speaker and test for continuity between the terminals. If there’s no continuity, it typically indicates the speaker is blown.

How to Troubleshoot Non-Working Car Speakers?

Now that you understand the potential causes, follow these troubleshooting steps to narrow down the issue:

• Test Each Speaker Individually:

Using the balance and fade settings on your head unit, isolate each speaker to test whether they’re working. If one speaker isn’t working, it may be blown or have a loose wire.

• Check Audio System Settings:

As mentioned earlier, improper audio settings can sometimes make it seem like your speakers aren’t working. Ensure that the balance, fade, and volume levels are appropriately set.

• Inspect Wiring:

Access the wiring behind the head unit and at each speaker. Look for loose or damaged wires. Reconnect or replace any faulty wiring.

• Check for Blown Fuses:

Refer to your car’s manual to locate the audio system fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the correct amperages.

• Test the Amplifier:

If your car has an external amplifier, ensure it’s receiving power. Check the fuse for the amplifier and replace it if necessary.

• Consider Professional Help:

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your speakers are still not working, it might be time to consult a professional. There could be deeper electrical issues within your car’s audio system.

Preventing Car Speaker Issues in the Future

While some speaker issues are inevitable, there are a few steps you can take to prevent future problems:

• Avoid High Volumes: Continuously playing music at high volumes can cause your speakers to blow over time. Keep the volume at a moderate level to extend their lifespan.
• Protect Against Moisture: If you live in a humid area or notice water leakage, consider waterproofing your car doors or upgrading to water-resistant speakers.
• Regular Maintenance: Inspect your car’s audio system periodically for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Address minor difficulties before they become major concerns.

Why Do My Rear Speakers Have No Sound?

To check if your rear speakers are functioning, run a test tone operation. Make sure the rear speaker volume or surround settings are at maximum. You can also adjust the rear speaker size settings (small or large) in the menu. Finally, make sure the A/V receiver is set to surround sound mode.

Why Are Only Half of My Car Speakers Working?

If sound is only coming from one side, it could be due to a faulty output channel in the head unit or amplifier, or damaged wiring. Troubleshooting or professional help is recommended to resolve the issue.

How to Troubleshoot Low or No Sound from Rear Surround Speakers?

Check Speaker Connections: 

Ensure the rear surround speakers are properly connected to the A/V receiver.

• If your model has an A/B speaker selector, set it to the correct position. If connected to the “A” speakers, the selector should be on “A.”

Perform a Test Tone: 

Use the test tone operation to confirm if the speakers are functioning properly.

Adjust Volume and Settings: 

Increase the rear speaker volume and surround speaker settings to maximum. You can also try changing the rear speaker size to “small” or “large” in the menu.

Verify Surround Sound Mode: 

Ensure the A/V receiver is set to a surround sound mode.

• For Dolby ProLogic, make sure the center channel is set to Normal or Wide.
• If using a DVD or Blu-ray player, confirm that surround sound is enabled in the player’s menu.

Check Audio Source: 

Ensure the audio being played is multi-channel. Surround sound may not be active during dialog scenes and will mostly come from the center speaker. Rear speakers typically activate during background or ambient sounds.

Reset the Receiver: 

Reset the A/V receiver to factory default settings. Check the user manual for precise guidance.

• If your model allows, use the calibration microphone to adjust the settings automatically. Place the microphone on a flat surface, and avoid any obstructions during calibration.

Replace Speaker Wires: 

Swap out the current speaker wires or try connecting a different pair of speakers.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, service may be required.

How can I troubleshoot back speakers that have low sound?

To troubleshoot back speakers with low sound, perform the following checks:

• Increase the volume and adjust the surround sound settings.
• Test different audio sources to ensure it’s not a source-related issue.
• Check the A/V receiver settings and ensure it is in the correct mode for rear surround sound.
• Inspect and tighten any loose or damaged wires.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can faulty wiring cause rear speakers to stop working?

Yes, faulty wiring can cause rear speakers to stop working. Over time, vibrations and wear can lead to loose or damaged wires.

What are the common symptoms of back speakers malfunctioning?

Common symptoms of back speakers malfunctioning include no sound at all, distorted sound, or a significant drop in volume compared to the front speakers.

How can I identify a blown speaker in my car?

To identify a blown speaker, listen for distorted or crackling sounds, or test the speaker with a multimeter to check for continuity. If the speaker doesn’t produce sound or has an irregular response, it is likely blown.

Are there any quick fixes for the rear speakers not working?

Quick fixes for rear speakers not working include checking and replacing any blown fuses, tightening or reconnecting loose wires, and adjusting the audio balance and fade settings. If these steps don’t work, further troubleshooting may be needed.

Can a faulty amplifier affect the rear speakers?

Yes, a faulty amplifier can affect the rear speakers since the amplifier is responsible for sending audio signals to them. Check if the amplifier is powering on and test its connections and settings to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Can incorrect speaker placement affect sound quality?

Yes, incorrect speaker placement can affect sound quality. Ensure that rear speakers are positioned correctly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal sound distribution and performance.

Conclusion:

At the end of the conclusion,

If your car’s back speakers aren’t working, review the audio settings and wiring connections, and confirm that the speakers are not blown. Additionally, inspect the amplifier and head unit for any potential issues