I know a lot of people with 03-04s with Premium Infinity sound systems (maybe 05-06s too not sure?) have this problem, I did with my 03 GT. Basically there's this crackling noise from the speakers that people report hearing, regardless of volume. It tends to happen after it rains out, and it's always those with the Infinity sound system. This is because of crappy-built sunroof drain-off tubes that Hyundai put in our cars. They come disconnected after time, so the water that comes in through the sunroof's cracks ends up draining into the car instead of through the tube like it's supposed to.
It drains from the sunroof into the headliner, and down around the back quarter-panels. The stock amp is behind the rear driver's side quarter panel, and when the water leaks in onto the amp's connection points it causes the crackling/popping noise people hear. This also can cause you BCM to short out/melt, which is a very pricey repair. I got lucky and caught this when my BCM was only partially damaged, so a computer repair shop was able to fix the melted parts for a couple hundred bucks, instead of replacing it for nearly $1000. I know others haven't been so lucky. The leak fix itself would also be expensive at a garage, because of the labor involved in taking the headliner down, when it's actually pretty easy to do yourself. You also would have no idea whether the garage actually fixed the drainage tubes by clamping them in place or simply put them back on the plugs like they are originally. When you fix the tubes, the water will correctly drain down them and back out near the rear wheels.
So, anyway, onward with the DIY.
Materials:
-2 small .5"-1" metal clamps
-Screwdrivers for screws, ratchets or wrenches for bolts, pliers for push-tabs.
-Seatbelt bolt attachment or wrench for rear seatbelts
01. First, you need to remove a whole bunch of parts. This includes the back bench seat, both rear seat-backs, the back lower and upper quarter-panels. This is mostly bolts, screws, and push-tabs, it's all pretty self-explanatory, but you can use the Hyundai service website (
http://www.hmaservice.com) or PM me if you need any further instruction.
02. The visors, front pillars, and sunglasses holder also all have to be removed.
03. Pull down the headliner, and locate the disconnected tubes. There is one on each side of the rear of the sunroof, underneath.
04. Plug the tubes back onto the drainage ports.
05. This is the
MOST IMPORTANT STEP, use small clamps on the tubes to ensure that this problem will never present itself again.
06. The stock amp is under the bottom rear quarter panel on the driver's side. Check it for damage or wetness and dry it out before putting everything back together.
07. Installation of headliner is reverse of removal, put it back up first then start putting your car back together. Enjoy your crackle-free music and water-free car.
Comments/suggestions are welcome. See my sig for other DIYs.