Hi!

This is not a problem with the hard disk or its cable. If it was, the symptoms would be the unit stopping playback completely and, upon rebooting, saying that it failed to detect a hard disk. Drive logic, file systems and CRCs are good enough these days that data does not get corrupted between the drive and the machine.

Your problem is most likely a ground loop of some sort, caused by a cable heating up or moving while driving. I had a very similar problem to this when the shop was installing my unit, because they hadn't ever heard of floating ground and had caused a ground loop on the audio cable shielding. I recommend checking the FAQ for solutions and troubleshooting information about ground loops.

Hope this helps,

Paul