Problem with install in 2003 WRX

I checked the FAQ and didn't find anything regarding this so I'm going to toss it out here and see if any other WRX guys had this problem.

My problem is that the player sometimes doesn't shut down when I turn the key off. Usually it does but about 1 out of 7 or 8 times, it will continue playing like the key was never turned off. This just started when I moved the unit to the WRX so I figure it's either an oddity to the car or something screwed up in the installation. The same guys did the installation in my former car so this wasn't their first time doing an Empeg.

Also, before someone FAQs me with the entry about the unit not shutting down with the key off, I assume that is an all the time thing since it's a wiring issue. This isn't an all the time thing.

My first suggestion would be to find out what the line connected to the Empegs switched input is actually doing, is it really staying high after the ignition it turned off, atleast then you will have confirmation that the Empeg is doing the correct thing.

If the line is staying high after the ignition is turned off is it possible that the line they connected to actually feeds something else, a turbo timer or electric water pump for example, in which case they run on after they key whenever the car feels it needs extra cooling?

I have no experience of the WRX, so these are just guesses, but hey, they may help

Also, before someone FAQs me with the entry about the unit not shutting down with the key off, I assume that is an all the time thing since it's a wiring issue. This isn't an all the time thing.

It could be a loose wire, hence the intermittency. Even though, as you said, each of these following things may not be related, they're worth looking into because they might be intermittent as well:

AC Sensor Switch
Miswired power
Negtive Spike
Loose docking connector wires

There are also two reported bugs, not in the FAQ, that are specific to software version 2.0 Beta 13, and your problem could be related to either of those bugs: 1) Sometimes the player takes a long time to respond to the "ignition off" command. When this happens, it plays for a long time after shutting off the ignition, perhaps long enough to make you get impatient and yank it out of the dash instead of waiting for it to shut off. 2) Sometimes the player keeps playing after the ignition is turned off and never shuts off. If this happens, it's been reported that using Emplode and doing a small change and a re-synch (hence rebuilding the database) will fix the problem.

Hmmm.... those last two bugs could be the problem. I'll do a resync and see what happens. I'll also let the player stay on next time and see if it ever cuts off.

I don't really think this is an installation issue simply because I don't think the place that did the install would make that sort of mistake. Anything is possible however I was looking for some sort of wierdness with this vehicle as the Empeg had been in 2 other cars and never had this problem.

Thanks guys

Hmmm.... those last two bugs could be the problem.

If the problem started soon after you had done a synchronization, it is almost certain that the second suggestion that Tony made is your problem, and a re-synch will definitely fix it.

tanstaafl.

The last sync was around the same time that I had the unit installed in the WRX so it's kind of a coin toss. Im going to grab it and do a resync and see what happens.

Irregardless

<Ducks and keeps an eye out for Bitt>

I'm guessing an edit occurred. I see nothing of the sort.

1) Sometimes the player takes a long time to respond to the "ignition off" command. When this happens, it plays for a long time after shutting off the ignition, perhaps long enough to make you get impatient and yank it out of the dash instead of waiting for it to shut off.

Mine did this in my old install quite often with 2.0 b13. I've sat there when it does it and it would run for another 2 minutes or so before shutting off, never an entire song... And when it did this, it didn't loose it's poition in the playlist like it does on occasion on a regular power down.

Averting disaster

I resync'ed the player. After dinner Im going to see if that made any difference. I'm also going to check for the "run on" condition should the player continue after the key is turned off.

An update on this situation. I did a resync several days ago and thought all was well but last night the player stayed on after I switched the key off again. After waiting about 45 seconds, the unit did finally power down by itself.

I took the car back to the installer and had them double check everything and they could find nothing wrong installation wise. They were pretty thorough and I trust these guys 100% so I think I can rule out an installation issue.

As Tony said above, it's probably Problem #1 giving me grief. It's funny how this problem NEVER happened in my previous vehicle, though but seems to do it constantly in the new car.

After waiting about 45 seconds, the unit did finally power down by itself.

That's the known bug in Beta 13. Hopefully it will be corrected on the next software release.

It's funny how this problem NEVER happened in my previous vehicle, though but seems to do it constantly in the new car.

Because you probably got the new car around the same time Beta 13 came out.

Nope.. got the new car January 3rd and didnt put the Empeg in until the 11th. The "run on" scenario is happening daily now since installing the unit.

I can't offer too much help other than to say that it is not a common WRX issue. I've talked to several WRX owners w. empegs installed and none of them have mentioned this problem.

I seem to be the only WRX owner on earth with alterator whine, so if you have no whine, let me know where your grounds are.

Good luck on the trouble shooting. And trust Tony.

I'm putting my order in for a new '04 WRX Wagon within the next month... i gotta start doing some research on the install issues. Good to know others have gone before me. =]

I'm putting my order in for a new '04 WRX Wagon within the next month...

Cool beans, Loren! Bring the brochure to dinner tonight.

I left it at home, and i'm heading straight from work to the SR.

BUT... i'm going to Santa Cruz tomorrow to test drive and put in my order!! WOOT!

Jim Hogan was a great help. He installed an aftermarket HU and the empeg together, so our wiring was a bit differant, but it still helped a lot. Click the link in my sig. to see some photos of the inside of the dash.

And congrats on getting a rex! Welcome to the club! I'm amazed how many WRX / empeg owners there are. I've emailed with at least 5 so far. And pick up a smoked lens if you don't have one already, it's a perfect match.

Thanks, Brad. Congrats, Loren!

And welcome to the wagon club! You won't be sorry. I discovered last weekend that a full-size OE spare *or* a studded Hakka on OE wheel will fit (darn close) in the wagon's bigger well, so I'll bid the fake spare goodbye and probably redo my sub to sit inside the spare.

I also spent some time last weekend adding wiring for a ham radio and Motorola V60 in-car kit before we head up to this rally next weekend. Along the way, I discovered some interesting spots for hardware in the dash (if you aren't putting gauges in the center spot). I'll take some pics.

Mod gently!

Here is a site that makes enclosures that fit into the sparetire well: http://www.subarusound.com/subarusound/default.asp

I was thining of losing my Infinity Basslink and going with a 5-channel amp w. unpowered sub (maybe in the spare tire well).

This company makes sub enclosures that fit on the side of the trunk for anyone that wants to keep their spare: http://www.geocities.com/subee_sound/main.html

I do have some alternator whine but only when the tuner module is on, strangely enough. Even theni t's barely audible. I have had my Empeg in 3 vehicles and all 3 did the same thing as far as whine. Only audible in tuner mode.

I had the sled pulled out of the dash last weekend to run the wire for my Sony stalk and it looks like all my wiring was done through the OE harness.

Went and test drove a Sedan this weekend... Very nice. The turbo lag sorta sucks though... i was surprised to find that my Civic Si seemed to have more low end torque under 3000 RPM's... but maybe i wasn't used to the gearing yet. They wouldn't let me take it over 4000R RPM's because of the break in period... so i didn't really get to check out the power. The handing is superb though... and damn those seats rock.

Now i just gotta wait and see what they definitely decide to put on the '04 version and decide if it's worth it over getting a cheaper '03. I can't f'n wait to get rid of my Civic though... i need a smoother/quieter ride!

The 04 has the new face to it, offers a sun roof, has available heated seats (shaped a bit differant) and offers a black interior in addition to the previous standard blue/black interior. So, unless you want heated seats in California or need a sunroof, the only big change is the exterior.

(And I'd advise against putting in an aftermarket sunroof because aftermarket installers need to cut through one of the roof supports that extends from the B-pillar. This will lower the rigidity of the car and effect handleing. Because of this, the factory sunroof is small so that they don't have to cut.)

That is crap you couldn't take the car over 4000 rpm! The car comes alive after 3000 rpm. I would never buy a car if the salesperson went on the test drive with me... but that's another thread. With a few cheaps mods, the car comes alive at an even lower rpm and rev's so fast, you'll whip right by 3000rpm in no time.

Since the WRX has a factory turbo, its engine was given a fairly low compression ratio (better for turbo cars). This makes the car safer to boost, but also lowers output when the turbo isn't spooling up.

Yeah, i was aware of all the new stuff... but they won't sign off on anything until if's official and they have an order form from Subaru. . . so i've gotta wait til then.

Yeah... the moonroof is something i'm wavering on. I love the one in my Civic... and i'd love to have it in the Rex. But i've read so many conflicting reports on the whole rigidity issue i just don't know anymore. I'm gonna wait and see on that one.

Yeah... i gotta find a dealership who will let me go over 4000... i barely got to drive the thing!

God I love my WRX. Brad and I have the same one. Silver '02 sedan. Except my empeg doesn't have any alternator whine. I just got delivery of some new wheels for the summer...17x7.5 steel grey Rota Tarmacs. I can't wait for April so I can put them on, roll down the windows, and blast my music. I think this summer I'm also going to Dynamat the doors and maybe the trunk too. A bit too much rattle for my taste.

I took the WRX for about 6 different test drives over a 6 month period. 5 of the times I was by myself. I hear it's not too good to redline a car with 4 miles on it. Oh well. I had to see what it could do.

so I'll bid the fake spare goodbye and probably redo my sub to sit inside the spare.

Take a close look at both the original ("space saver") wheel and the new ("full size") spare and take measurements before you commit!

A lot of times, the space saver wheel is actually a larger diameter wheel (with a smaller aspect ratio tire to make overall diameter come out the same) than a regular size wheel. Be sure the subwoofer will fit into the new wheel!

And, just an aside, why do you want to get rid of the "fake" spare anyway? All you'll be doing is giving up storage space in trade for the satisfaction of knowing that you have a wheel that will probably never be used but that nonetheless looks just like the other four wheels. In the last 10 years I have probably had a spare tire on the ground maybe twice, and then only for as long as it took me to get the damaged tire repaired.

tanstaafl.

I can't f'n wait to get rid of my Civic though... i need a smoother/quieter ride!

Now aren't you glad I talked you out of that slammed Civic you were looking at?

tanstaafl.

BTW loren, if you're getting a wagon, this one from a nasioc.com member is pretty badass, and good inspiration to do some cool mods.

In reply to:

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I think this summer I'm also going to Dynamat the doors and maybe the trunk too.

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I'm thinkin about that too, love my RSX but the road noise is a little bit much on the highway. Also my new AEM CAI is frickin loud (only when I get on it, which is kinda cool), I can't bear the thought of ripping everything out though, how much do you think a good installer would charge to do that?

how much do you think a good installer would charge to do that?

not quite sure, but it's a pretty labor-intensive process, so I would imagine that for $50/hour or whatever they charge that the price would climb quickly.

Since this thread has kind of turned into a WRX thread (Which is fine by me), does anyone else have problems with the compass equipped mirror rattling like hell from heavy bass songs? Mine rattles so bad it sounds like a buzz inside the car. I had to take it back to the installer for them to see it because they said they had never heard a rear view mirror rattle like that and it must be something else.

And I only have a single JL Audio 10 in the car too!

Actually, my friend was having this same problem with his JL 10"! He tried gutting the mirror (not recommended) but now the mirror just flops around. He never came up with a fix but is now looking for a regular mirror to put in. I can't help, but at least you're not the only one having this issue.

I had thought about going the other way and trying to add some more weight to the mirror like putting some Dynomat inside it.

Nice. Yeap... that's almost exactly what i wanna do with mine. I have been looking at the Rota Battle 17"s for a while. I'm gonna keep the roof rack though, i'll use it... and definitely gonna tint all the way 'round. I'm also gonna black out the badges instead of removing them like my civic... i mean remove them, paint them black, and reinstall. Looks saweet. I like the turn signal mod he did... haven't seen that before. If i end up with the '04, i'll have some interesting new headlights to play with too. =]

God i can't wait.

Take a close look at both the original ("space saver") wheel and the new ("full size") spare and take measurements before you commit!

Already tested snow tire and regular/OE spare. The lid almost fits back flush. I may either hack on it or make a replacement (since I'd need a grate/grill for the sub anyhow).

A lot of times, the space saver wheel is actually a larger diameter wheel (with a smaller aspect ratio tire to make overall diameter come out the same) than a regular size wheel. Be sure the subwoofer will fit into the new wheel!

The sub I will be recycling is a modest 8-inch square Kicker Solobaric that has done fine for me. No problem fitting it and I'm pretty sure I can get the required volume in the enclosure, but I will definitely go through the plastic bag + milk jug fill test before I start wasting any fiberglass on it.

And, just an aside, why do you want to get rid of the "fake" spare anyway?

Well, we are up to about 3-5 gravel rallies a year now depending on our other obligations and I wouldn't do any of them without a full-size spare. We haven't blown a tire yet, but have seen others do so and it'd suck to drive all the way to Oregon or BC and have to quit a 2-day rally on the first day due to no spare (as was the case with a nice S4 we rolled by in November that busted both tire *and* wheel...)

For Winter Alcan, we will probably haul 2 spares, and not just because the Hakka 1s are directional. In part by using the well space more efficiently, we are hoping we can haul 2 spares and still make the trip without adding a Yakima/Thule rack and storage box.

So rather than keep that weenie spare all the time and have to haul a full-size out of my storage unit on a regular basis, I'm thinking I'll just put the weenie one in storage.

(Oh, and then there was the time -- after shredding a tire at about 95 MPH -- that I got to drive home from Montana on a tire that was "reeeeel close" to my Pirelli 205/55-14s!!)

Matt, is it me or are those wheels on the black wagon (Rota Battles) photoshoped on? Something doesn't look right in the rear wheel.

Not to go on and on about my alternator whine (I've started like 3 threads on it) but could it be a bad amp?

I have two amps (one is a cheap 4 channel Rockford 35watt amp and the other is the amp in my Infinity Basslink). Both are grounded at the same point: to a bold under the seat. I even tried the top of one of the rear strut towers. Now it is hooked up all the way to the battery's neg. power post. The whine is always the same.

I had the empeg grounded via the factory wiring harness's ground and now it also has a direct line to the negative post of the battery. I even tried one of those capacitors that you connect to a head unit, but I tried it on both the accessory power and on the main power lines.... no change.

Could it be that I have a bad amp? I'm thinking of changing to a 5 channel amp so that I have just one power and one ground as far as amps are concerned... just to elinimate one factor.

Back to this thread: Did any of Tony's links help? It certainly sounds like an install issue and not something Subaru related.

I just got delivery of some new wheels for the summer...17x7.5 steel grey Rota Tarmacs. I can't wait for April so I can put them on, roll down the windows, and blast my music.

Yes, April approacheth. If the Miracle of Continued Employment persists, i just may have to get some Rota Attacks (easy cleaning for old folks!) and maybe some tires (looking at Sumitomo...)

I think this summer I'm also going to Dynamat the doors and maybe the trunk too.

FWIW, people say that Dynamat really stinks. Not sure if the smell goes away or how long it takes. FWIW, a product that I have used on PC cases and which I am probably going to selectively add to the WRX is Dexdamp. Similar to Dynamat, but no heating required, easier to work, and no smell. I got it from these guys . Downsides? Possibly more expensive and heavier than Dynamat (it's essentially butyl rubber), and it could prove impractical to remove once applied (this could be true for Dynamat, I don't know).

Also, it is harder to find. That Hamilton-Jet outfit might be the only source. Looks like some folks had a go at selling into the car stereo market but that Dynamat pretty much kept that channel/market.

are those wheels on the black wagon (Rota Battles) photoshoped on? Something doesn't look right in the rear wheel.

Maybe. In a totally non-scientific examination, I laid my ruler across the front wheel on the screen (17" monitor 1024x768 resolution) and it measured 22 millimeters across. The rear wheel measured 20.

Not likely that he really has smaller wheels on the rear...

tanstaafl.

I resynched the unit and that helped somewhat. It still happens but not as often. It seems to now be more of a "the unit doesnt realize its been turned off for a bit" issue now. It will power down but it takes about a minute for it to happen. It seems to be much less frequent after a did a resync.

On your whine issue, now that you mention it, my amp is grounded to a seatbelt bolt under the backseat. I had forgotten about that. I am using a JL Audio 300/4 amp to drive my whole system and it's also been in a couple of my older cars and been solid throughout. I'm really sold on the JL Audio stuff.

Matt, is it me or are those wheels on the black wagon (Rota Battles) photoshoped on? Something doesn't look right in the rear wheel.

nope, it's legit. the color of the wheel is a super-spiffy limited edition 'titanium chrome' color. here is another pic of the same car:



I probably going to go with raammat instead of Dynamat. I guess I just said dynamat because it's more of a common name. Raammat doesn't have the stinky problems either.

I probably going to go with raammat instead of Dynamat.

Interesting, that raammat looks suspiciously like Dexdamp (the foil backing, weights, and the way it lays down). I will have to get a sample...see if it is cheaper, too!

JIm, I found a link to a raammat sale $20 off. The people that I have talked to that have used this stuff have nothing but good things to say about it.

The wheel planes are not parallel in the (first) photo. The front wheels are turned slightly to the right, giving you a more straight on view compared to the rears. You are seeing a projection of the rear wheel at a greater angle than the fronts, so the linear dimension (horizontally) of the projection is different. Try measuring them vertically.

Jim

Just felt like bumping a WRX thread and showing off a photo I took (resizes for wallpaper pretty good).

Ok then, I'll show off a new photo that I took with my new wheels and tires. 17" Rota Tarmac wheels with Kumho Ecsta MX 225/45/17 tires

Nice wheels Matt (and good color choice on the car )! I'm looking at the Rota SubZeros' or Tarmac's myself. That's why all the photos of my car are from dead on - so you don't see the stock wheels that I'm not crazy about.

Nice. I'm looking at the Rota Battles for the WRX i don't even own yet. =]

I'm getting excited about it. The '04 pricing is out and i'm gonna call the dealer to see about ordering up my baby as soon as i hear back from my insurance company about my stolen Si.

I think we might have more WRX / empeg owners than any other model?

How many empegged WRXes are there? Including mine, I count about 8 or 9 Mustang installs, just based on posts in this forum. Some of those empegs may no longer be in Mustangs right now, though.

I'd imagine some of today's more popular sedans (Camry, Accord, Maxima, etc.) might number even higher... And it seems that cars with really easy installs might not show up as often in the forums here.

The WRX has only been in the US for 2 years, so comparing it to the Mustang, which has been out since 1964 isn't a good comparison, but you are probably right.

WRX's w. empegs (that I can think of off the top of my head):
ithoughti
jimhogan
SE_Sport_Driver
loren (soon)
KungFuCow
fink08
my friend Nate (I don't think he's ever posted).
iceweasel (I think)

Mine was a removal FROM a Mustang. Before that, it was in a Camaro. I just needed more room for the kids and the WRX seemed to be the logical solution. These pictures are kind of big and Im too lazy to resize them so I'll link to them instead.

WRX

Empeg

Trunk

Hopefully these link correctly.

You can see the bumper of the Mustang in the photo with the WRX.

Woohoo! Someone used my logo! Nice pics, don't you love that smoked lens for the Subaru?

Yes, the smoked lens is about as close to perfect as I think you can get on the WRX to matching factory lighted gauge colors. Really, really close..

and that logo owns

If someone could only animate it....

->SE_Sport_Driver

so comparing it to the Mustang, which has been out since 1964 isn't a good comparison, but you are probably right.

All but one of the ones I found were late-model Stangs. But you're right, the WRX is certainly a hot model... The Mustang enthusiast in me wants desperately to add "flavor of the month" to that statement, but I won't go quite that far No fair bringing in guys who haven't posted on the BBS, by the way... They don't count.

->KungFuCow

Mine was a removal FROM a Mustang.

Sorry to hear that.

And mine but then I'm in the UK.

Hey, chances are your Mustang was built in my home town. Do I get points for that? A few prototype 05 Mustangs driving around too.

Yes Vince, that counts! Esp. since you guys get the better models (until the new 04' STi comes to the US).

Actually Ive owned 5 Mustangs, a Buick Grand National, Buick Turbo T and a Z28 since turning 16. The WRX is my first foreign vehicle. I miss my Mustang but my father bought it from me (01 GT covertible) so it went to a good home.

It's amazing the WRX has stayed stock as long as it has (3 months) but I'm about to get cranking on it.

EDIT I feel kind of old after posting all those vehicles

I got one too!!! Even Loren saw it....

I've got a black wagon... not as cool as the previous post, but with ROTA rims (forgot model name)...



P.S. I havn't posted my install pics on riocar.org... too lazy (i mean busy)... and I'm not quite done yet...

What's up Ryan?! Seeing your wagon at the last meet was what made me want one so bad. It's finally happenin!

That's it - just rub it in. Mine is only a 2.0 sport, but I do keep meaning to upgrade to a pre 2000 turbo (decent power-weight ratio) or possibly a 2003 STi (now the bug eyes have gone)

Sooooon!

Vince, email me about your home docking station. The email address you gave is no longer valid, and I need to send you your dock!

-Mark