Audio/Body - Speaker Noise/Inoperative/Water Leak
TECHNICALBulletin No.: 11-08-44-002A
Date: April 11, 2012
Subject: Audio System Speaker Noise, Distorted, Inoperative (Follow Procedure Outlined Below)
Models:
2008-2013 Cadillac CTS Sedan
Equipped with Speaker System RPO UQA or UQS
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add model years and update the Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 11-08-44-002 (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).
Condition
Some customers may comment that the audio system speakers are noisy, distorted or inoperative when listening to all audio sources.
Cause
This condition may be caused by water damage to the audio system amplifier, located in the left side of the rear compartment (trunk).
There may be a water leak in one of three areas; the deck lid flange (gutter), the upper corner of the rear glass or the rear wheelhouse area. This leak condition can let water drip onto the left side rear wheelhouse and run directly onto the back side of the audio system amplifier.
Correction
Use the following steps to diagnose and repair the condition.
1. Remove the left side rear compartment trim. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Panel Replacement (Sedan) in SI.
2. Remove the radio speaker amplifier fasteners. Refer to Radio Speaker Amplifier Replacement in SI. Do not disconnect the electrical connections at this time.
3. Inspect the amplifier for corrosion as shown. If the amplifier corrosion is causing the audio system performance condition, replace the amplifier. Refer to Radio Speaker Amplifier Replacement in SI.
Note
The photos of the repair areas are shown before the rear glass is installed.
4. Using the Air Hose Test method, determine if the water leak is at the upper left corner of the rear glass. Refer to Air Hose Test in SI. Re-seal the glass as necessary.
5. Using the Air Hose Test method, determine if the water leak is at the lower left corner of the rear glass. Refer to Air Hose Test in SI.
6. If the test detects a leak in the lower left area of the back glass, use a clear seam sealer, such as *Kent Industries part # P10200 High Tech(TM) Clear or the equivalent, to seal the area at the upper left corner of the trunk gutter where the two panels meet, as shown. It may be necessary to use a long tip on the sealant tube to reach under the glass.
7. If the Air Hose Test does not identify any leaks in the rear glass area, inspect the left rear wheelhouse to trunk panel seam as shown. Re-seal as necessary using a clear seam sealer, such as *Kent Industries part # P10200 High Tech(TM) Clear or the equivalent.
Note
Protect the radio speaker amplifier from water when testing the vehicle for leaks.
8. Water test the vehicle to ensure that the area is no longer leaking.
9. Reinstall the rear compartment trim. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Panel Replacement (Sedan) in SI.
* We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products/materials. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for, or assume any responsibility for the products or material from this firm or for any such items that may be available from other sources.
Parts Information
*This product is currently available from Kent Industries (1-888-YES-KENT).
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
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