Need help with LCQ1 installed

I recently installed an LCQ1 audio controller on the front speakers and intermittently the front speakers won't turn on. The installers were baffled and said it's probably the phone mics causing it and no solution for it even after calling the manufacturer. Anybody have this problem or find a fix? Happens only when ignition is on acc then trying to start. I have to turn completely off then restart and it works fine. Thx.

 

There's too much missing from your description for a diagnosis.

It looks like the LCQ1 auto senses the high level input from your speaker outs as a signal to power on. It also has a 12V signal ouput that you can use to signal your amplifier to power up (are you using this?). I'm assuming you are using an external amplifier so what we need to know is:

1. When you have no audio, is the LCQ1 indicating that it has power?
2. When you have no audio, is the amplifier you are using indicating that it has power?

If I were to run home to mama, I'd just say your ground on your amp is iffy and that's the issue.

 

Yep 2 channel amp has power, LCQ1 has power as well. Manufacturer states it's due to mics, haven't been able to find a way around it yet.

 

does this happen when the phone isn't in use? so when using the radio or aux?

turn off the phone's bluetooth and try one of those audio sources

 

This, but I'm also curious if the rear speakers are definitely working when this happens.

 

Happens regardless if phone connected. The rears are on a separate LC2. They never cut out.

 

So, I'm at a disadvantage here because I don't have one of the newer fancy Toyota entertainment whiz-bang systems. First, I'd like to just say that "it's the mic" is a cop out, and probably misleading. Second, I need to explain that it's hard to figure out what you've done because your responses are MINIMAL in detail. I've had about 30 years worth of troubleshooting technology issues and in my experience when someone is giving me short answers and not really trying to work cooperatively, they've already decided what they think the problem is, and just want me to hop in the truck and go fix it for them. I don't think that's what you are doing for obvious reasons, but still, it's slowing things down.

As an example Destin asked:

Your answer was simply "happens regardless if phone is connected"

So what are we really asking here? What's the information needed? What about the other inputs he asked about?

Going with the theory that the phone is related to the issue, what needs to be explained is whether or not the phone is engaging the factory radio at all. Have you disabled and deleted the wireless connection between your phone and the HU? Have you left the phone out of range of the stereo and tested to see if this still occurs? If you turn your phone OFF (before it has an opportunity to connect to the HU) and start up the radio on FM or a different input, does this still happen?

The only theory I see as plausible for it literally not being a power/ground issue with the components you added is that your front output from the stereo is muted due to a glitch in the communication between the two devices. For instance, I saw one troubleshooting video that describes the stereo being overloaded with information from the phone when it connects, causing the bluetooth to turn off, forcing a re-pairing of the devices. I can see a similar scenario occurring where this causes the speakers in the vehicle to mute-lock, and the solution for this was to completely wipe saved bluetooth connection settings on both devices and when re-configuring the connection, deny the stereo's access to contacts and messaging when prompted. This is all assuming the HU is designed to only mute the front stage when phone activity, like text messages or phone calls are received, and I don't know if that is or is not the case because I don't have experience with this stereo.

Know what this doesn't explain though? It doesn't explain the LCQ1 powering up, because it senses signal, and if there's no signal, it shouldn't power up.

Having deleted all connection settings on your HU and phone, and you turn your phone OFF, and then try to start up the system and you still have this issue, the problem is not "the mic" it is a signal or power issue with the LCQ1 or the amplifier for your front speakers, especially if this began after this stuff was installed, because if you weren't having the issue with a stock entertainment system, the answer to "what has changed" will point you in the right direction.

So answer this. Did you have ANY issues with your stock stereo before the aftermarket stereo components were installed? I very much expect "NO" as your answer, and that being the case, you will need to either find what the installer did insufficiently, replace the LCQ1/amplifier (you can use the amplifier for the rear speakers to narrow down the problem to either the LCQ1 or the front amplifier by changing the amplifier your LCQ1 is connected to), or take it back to them and insist they correct the problem.

 

I appreciate the detailed feedback. Finally found the answer. The initial install at the first shop was done poorly and I refused to go back after 3 repeat trips. Found another shop to investigate and turns out that instead of using the accessory lead on the factory radio they had it connected to current sense. This enabled the LCQ1 to power up but not fully each time the truck was started. Wired to accessory and all resolved.

 

Thank Jesus because I was super convinced that microphone explanation was complete phooey. Enjoy your working stereo bro!

 

Blows my mind how lazy some shops can be. They literally already had to run wires from the amp location to the back of the radio... why not just run the dang turn-on wire from the get-go?!?!