Installed ecodes buzz on audio when turned on

[Kid Red]

(I posted in a DIY thread but not getting any responses)

When I turn my just installed ecode bi-xenons on, I get a buzz over my speakers (aftermarket amp) when the car is on. With the car off, key turned they turn on for a sec before turning off and there is no buzz.

Not sure how or why the lights introduced the buzz or how can I fix this? I have not vag-ed yet, not sure if that would also cause the buzz. Any suggestions?

[yettavr6]

I had this problem with the Bose system after I replaced my headunit. I fixed it by using a Sosche line-level converter to connect the Bose amp to the headunit, rather than using the preouts on the headunit. Not sure if that would fix the problem with an aftermarket amp though...

[Kid Red]

Ironically, I have a Scosche LOC installed already between the RSN-E and my amps. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[sdjeff]

I don't know much about ecodes or OEM xenon's, but if the ballast is high enough it will interfere with radio reception. Is the buzz on even when playing a CD?

[KMHPaladin]

Sounds like a bad ground.

[Kid Red]

I don't know much about ecodes or OEM xenon's, but if the ballast is high enough it will interfere with radio reception. Is the buzz on even when playing a CD?

It's on with an iPod connection which I assume is the same.

[Kid Red]

Sounds like a bad ground.

That's what I thought initially, but where would the bad ground be? The lights are just harnesses and my system seems to be grounded properly. It's only when the car is running which means what I'm not sure.

[ray-ray]

have you disconnected the ecodes then tried turning on you system to see if you are still getting this whine? whine usually does come from a bad ground. if you try disconnecting the ecodes to see if you can replicate the problem, it will help narrow down what the problem is.

[Kid Red]

No I haven't tried disconnecting the ecodes, as the problem started when I installed the ecodes. I'd expect the buzz to go away if I disconnected them.

It's not an engine whine, it's a power buzz. Like when a cellphone is next to computer speakers, you get a low hum, buzz like sound. Would this issue possibly go away if I VAG-ed the car for ecodes?

[ray-ray]

No I haven't tried disconnecting the ecodes, as the problem started when I installed the ecodes. I'd expect the buzz to go away if I disconnected them.

It's not an engine whine, it's a power buzz. Like when a cellphone is next to computer speakers, you get a low hum, buzz like sound. Would this issue possibly go away if I VAG-ed the car for ecodes?

if it doesn't take a lot of time to uninstall the ecodes, i would do it just to be on the safe side and eliminate any other possibilities.

[Kid Red]

I'll see if I can reach the harnesses. Otherwise, I'd have to take the bumper off which is some work.

[Quattro]

not trying to sound like a douche here, but you did install REAL ecodes, not the depot lights correct? If you installed ecodes and used the kufatec harness you should not get any buzzing.

Does it buzz when high beams are on, low beams, only day lights? Or just buzzes in general.

Just a few questions, thats all.

[Sanjman]

DUDE... try VAGing your car first... bi-xenons have a different setting compared to reflectors. There can be electrical feedback causing the hum or the grounding was screwed up when you were installing them... invest in a DMM (digital multimeter, great to have around to check all battery voltages and test other various stuff) and make sure the ground wires good to go too.

[Quattro]

^^agree, but not everyone has vag'd their lights and have not had a buzz. I have installed a few personally and not vag'd and its all good.

but vag, is a start =D

[Kid Red]

Yes, real ecodes from Jens, kufatec harness. I have not vagged, so I don't have hi-beams. It only buzzes when the xenons are on.

I have a DMM and have tested continuity and all was fine before installing them. Battery voltage is fine before and after installation.

I will vag and then disconnecting to verify the buzz is xenon related.

[KMHPaladin]

Can you wire them to a dedicated ground instead of the harness ground wire? I am reaching back into my memory here but I recall some aftermarket xenon setups on B5 A4s causing issues and people solving it with a dedicated ground in the engine bay.

[edit] Occasionally good to verify that my memory is in decent working order... scroll to the bottom:
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/ext36.shtml

[Kid Red]

Not sure how I would find the ground, or run the ground from the harness?

I will try to VAG tonight.

[Kid Red]

OK, I just VAG-ed for xenon + no amber and there are two things of note.

1) The buzz is now on with the car engine, no longer limited to the lights being powered. It's constant with engine on, lights off or on
2) Hi-Beams do no work. I get a soft whistle sound that fades every time I flick the stalk. Do Bi-Xenons have a slice threw the center of the xenon housing? I've always wondered if I got the single xenon? Or maybe not enough voltage to them some how?