subwoofer issues

[cd33]

Hey all,

I recently got a 2023 premium, and I've been having issues with the speakers. Specifically, there is some sort of a rattle from the subwoofer in the trunk. This happens during the bass "thump" parts. It can be heard more with more bass-y music. It's much more of an issue if I turn the bass up in the sound settings, but it can be heard even with the settings at the default level. This happens at reasonable volume levels too (<50%).

I asked the dealership to take a look. They said that the subwoofer was blown (factory issue), and had to install a new one. The notes mentioned that they verified that the speakers worked as expected afterwards. However when I received the car it sounds pretty much the same.

Here's a video to illustrate the problem (50% or less volume, default sound settings):

Has anyone else had similar issues? I'm definitely not an audiophile, but this sounds quite bad... Is this expected?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Sponsored

 

[markboris]

cd33, It is one of two things. Either the subwoofer (speaker) is defective or the white sound absorption pad that is between the speaker and the grill is vibrating. If you notice looking at the grill, it is white behind it. There is a white sound pad that absorbs road noise that may find its way into the cargo area. The subwoofer speaker does not sit up against that grill. So to prevent road noise that is behind that trim panel, Ford installs a thick sound pad up against that grill. It almost sounds like that pad is vibrating against the grill. This is not the fist time someone has complained about this noise. That sound pad really doesn't do much and I would remove it and see if that fixes the issue. If not, then I would have to say your speaker is defective. If that is the case and Ford won't replace it, I have an extra one that does work that you can have for free. I installed an aftermarket subwoofer in my car as the OEM sub really doesn't produce much more bass than the door speakers do.

 

[Bratapfl]

@markborris for me it was neither nor. The sole cause was the screw of the subwoofer which wasn't tight enough. I've detailled it also here - hope it helps.

 

[markboris]

@markboris for me it was neither nor. The sole cause was the screw of the subwoofer which wasn't tight enough. I've described it also here.

Yes, that definitely can also be the issue. I missed your post on the loose screw and glad that fixed it for you.

 

[ShoreTang]

cd33, It is one of two things. Either the subwoofer (speaker) is defective or the white sound absorption pad that is between the speaker and the grill is vibrating. If you notice looking at the grill, it is white behind it. There is a white sound pad that absorbs road noise that may find its way into the cargo area. The subwoofer speaker does not sit up against that grill. So to prevent road noise that is behind that trim panel, Ford installs a thick sound pad up against that grill. It almost sounds like that pad is vibrating against the grill. This is not the fist time someone has complained about this noise. That sound pad really doesn't do much and I would remove it and see if that fixes the issue. If not, then I would have to say your speaker is defective. If that is the case and Ford won't replace it, I have an extra one that does work that you can have for free. I installed an aftermarket subwoofer in my car as the OEM sub really doesn't produce much more bass than the door speakers do.

What sub did you replace the factory with and do you have advice on the process. Thank you.

 

[markboris]

What sub did you replace the factory with and do you have advice on the process. Thank you.

I posted this thread about 3 years ago:
https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/adding-a-decent-subwoofer-amp-to-your-mach-e.5481/

I've made some changes over these last 3 years. As of right now, I am running the JL Audio ACS112LG-TW1 12" sealed box with built-in 400W RMS amp. In addition I've added the Kicker KeyLoc DSP/LOC ahead of the JL amp to remove the rolloff the signal has coming from the B&O amp to flatten it. I also picked up the audio signal NOT from the OEM sub like I originally had but from the front speakers. I will be updating my original post in the next few days with these updates.

 

[ShoreTang]

I posted this thread about 3 years ago:
https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/adding-a-decent-subwoofer-amp-to-your-mach-e.5481/

I've made some changes over these last 3 years. As of right now, I am running the JL Audio ACS112LG-TW1 12" sealed box with built-in 400W RMS amp. In addition I've added the Kicker KeyLoc DSP/LOC ahead of the JL amp to remove the rolloff the signal has coming from the B&O amp to flatten it. I also picked up the audio signal NOT from the OEM sub like I originally had but from the front speakers. I will be updating my original post in the next few days with these updates.

Thank you. I look forward to the updates post.

 

[cd33]

cd33, It is one of two things. Either the subwoofer (speaker) is defective or the white sound absorption pad that is between the speaker and the grill is vibrating. If you notice looking at the grill, it is white behind it. There is a white sound pad that absorbs road noise that may find its way into the cargo area. The subwoofer speaker does not sit up against that grill. So to prevent road noise that is behind that trim panel, Ford installs a thick sound pad up against that grill. It almost sounds like that pad is vibrating against the grill. This is not the fist time someone has complained about this noise. That sound pad really doesn't do much and I would remove it and see if that fixes the issue. If not, then I would have to say your speaker is defective. If that is the case and Ford won't replace it, I have an extra one that does work that you can have for free. I installed an aftermarket subwoofer in my car as the OEM sub really doesn't produce much more bass than the door speakers do.

Thank you for the details, and for the offer! I did read about the sound pad previously. I'm not comfortable taking apart the panels myself yet, but I'll follow up with the dealer about this.

@markborris for me it was neither nor. The sole cause was the screw of the subwoofer which wasn't tight enough. I've detailled it also here - hope it helps.

Was the rattle noise similar to what I'm experiencing? I'll keep this in mind when I talk to the dealer. Thank you!

 

[hepidy]

Hey all,

I recently got a 2023 premium, and I've been having issues with the speakers. Specifically, there is some sort of a rattle from the subwoofer in the trunk. This happens during the bass "thump" parts. It can be heard more with more bass-y music. It's much more of an issue if I turn the bass up in the sound settings, but it can be heard even with the settings at the default level. This happens at reasonable volume levels too (<50%).

I asked the dealership to take a look. They said that the subwoofer was blown (factory issue), and had to install a new one. The notes mentioned that they verified that the speakers worked as expected afterwards. However when I received the car it sounds pretty much the same.

Here's a video to illustrate the problem (50% or less volume, default sound settings):

Has anyone else had similar issues? I'm definitely not an audiophile, but this sounds quite bad... Is this expected?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Yes mine was doing that as well, had a new sub Punch 10 in installed per the directions of a diy on this site and wow. My installer said b and o really really powerful system but the sub was inexcusable and really out of place quality with rest. It’s 600w and I run the borla exhaust 400w I think with no power dips or surges. Probably have to replace 12v battery sooner but system is great just that sub…ugh. I have 2023 premium btw.

 

[Bratapfl]

[...]

Was the rattle noise similar to what I'm experiencing? I'll keep this in mind when I talk to the dealer. Thank you!

100% similar to what you describe. I'm on my 2nd Mach E - one from 2021 and one from 2022. Both had the same annoying rattle. It annoyed me so much that I stopped listening to music from my phone and choose FM instead as the worse audio quality of FM radio seemed to not transmit any Bass and therefore less to no rattle. With the screw now tightened, it's completely solved.

If my memory is correct, there are three torx screws and the lower right one was the worst. It's not really spacious in this box hence small hands and a tiny ratchet are a plus.

 

[Fa_]

One week old 2024 Mache Premium- Getting rattle from the subwoofer. Anyone had their dealer fixed it or was it all DIY?

Sponsored