Popping noise near subwoofer

[Blackthought_]

Since I’ve picked up my Emira over a month ago, I’ve noticed a popping noise that comes from behind the drivers seat near/in the subwoofer. I think others experienced the same but has anyone had a fix for it? Over 2500 miles on the odo and it still happens with the music on or off whether the car is standing or moving. If I were to guess it happens once every few minutes. Not a big deal but would be helpful to pinpoint and have a fix for it.

 

[KAR120C]

Since I’ve picked up my Emira over a month ago, I’ve noticed a popping noise that comes from behind the drivers seat near/in the subwoofer. I think others experienced the same but has anyone had a fix for it? Over 2500 miles on the odo and it still happens with the music on or off whether the car is standing or moving. If I were to guess it happens once every few minutes. Not a big deal but would be helpful to pinpoint and have a fix for it.

I "think" i hear the same sound. Not the subwoofer "heartbeat" sound that others describe. It seems to mostly happen when I come to a stop. Almost like an expansion "pop" due to heat. It does it once, then that's it until I stop again.

 

[LuckysDad]

Where is the subwoofer located?
The sound is subpar and I'll probably put a better quality unit in.

 

[Blackthought_]

Where is the subwoofer located?
The sound is subpar and I'll probably put a better quality unit in.

Behind the drivers seat. You’ll see the wire screen that covers it

 

[Eagle7]

I hear the same. It almost sounds like an HVAC valve/flap popping open or closed via vacuum building up. Very weird.

I haven't yet tried going into audio settings but I've heard that doing an audio settings reset sometimes "clears" some weird software glitches out and some here have noted their audio sounds consistent afterwards (beforehand some songs would sound great and some would sound flat and tinny) - wonder if this can be related and might clear up the sub issues.

i'll try it myself as soon as I get my Emira back, but in the meanwhile if anyone wants to give it a whirl, would be curious to hear how it goes.

I've heard it a few times myself, and at first I thought it sounded like a static pop in the speaker system, but now I think it sounds more like a ventilation flap either closing or popping open, like a pressure equalization flap. It may be tied to using the A/C, whether it's on or off, since I've heard it a few times in the last couple of days when it's hot outside and I've had the A/C on.

 

[FlyNavy01]

Already a thread on this here, maybe the mods can combine them?

EDIT: Also the sub is an "open air" type located low behind the passenger's seat in the US, but behind the driver in the UK, etc. Location can be seen in these two photos.

 

[KJWEmira]

I was reading this thread and thought I would shed some light on the OEM subwoofer we all have installed. I'll try my best to be PC:-

Take a look at the pictures attached. This is my sub that I've removed due to all the same reasons you are all describing - sorry, but I found the KEF audio poor & not up to standard....it certainly does not match the looks of the car, so I upgraded everything and now its awesome!

If you hear a "thud" when you open the door in the mornings - it's this sub doing that. I've not heard this sound after its removal.

To answer another query above - Yes, the two OEM amplifiers in the car always remain Live, the car doesn't go to sleep like other manufactures, in fact the majority of the equipment within the car remains live.....This was discovered when I was looking for a switched ignition feed during my audio upgrade.

Here's some other info about the sub I've mentioned in other threads you may find useful :-

The sub measurements basically make it a 6X9 speaker which only produces bass. It weighs in at just 1.45kg or 3.2lbs....
For comparison, one of the 6.5" speakers I have now installed to my doors weighs the same.
I've personally not come across Its "free-to-air" design before, nor would I recommend one - this is why the sound / bass changes when you have a window open or closed.

Lastly, when I removed my sub I found it had water inside due to the free-to-air design. Pic 5 shows the drain hole which faces down when the sub is installed in the car - have you ever known a sub / speaker to require a drain hole??

 

[EspritGuy]

I've heard it a few times myself, and at first I thought it sounded like a static pop in the speaker system, but now I think it sounds more like a ventilation flap either closing or popping open, like a pressure equalization flap. It may be tied to using the A/C, whether it's on or off, since I've heard it a few times in the last couple of days when it's hot outside and I've had the A/C on.

I have noticed the pop also. So what's to be done about it?
Appreciate guidance.
Thanks

 

[KJWEmira]

I don't believe there is a fix available, but we all have it. It's just whether it bothers you or not.

After completely upgrading my audio system I can confirm this was the cause of the problem.

 

[Blackthought_]

I don't believe there is a fix available, but we all have it. It's just whether it bothers you or not.

After completely upgrading my audio system I can confirm this was the cause of the problem.

Well I’m glad to hear it’s the subwoofer and there’s no other issue that we need to be aware of

 

[Nova]

Oddly, I don't have any of these popping sounds in my car and I'm sensitive to odd noises like this. Does any one else *NOT* have this issue with their cars?

 

[Porter]

I definitely have the popping in my car. The behavior seems to change from week to week.

 

[PsymonR]

Oddly, I don't have any of these popping sounds in my car and I'm sensitive to odd noises like this. Does any one else *NOT* have this issue with their cars?

I've never noticed any popping from the subwoofer in my car either.

 

[virtualmacho]

Oddly, I don't have any of these popping sounds in my car and I'm sensitive to odd noises like this. Does any one else *NOT* have this issue with their cars?

Twice (random) during 6 months of ownership.

 

[Nova]

Twice (random) during 6 months of ownership.

Oh so it doesn't always happen? I see… I will now nervously expect a pop everytime I open my door.

 

[Aero]

I've heard it a few times myself, and at first I thought it sounded like a static pop in the speaker system, but now I think it sounds more like a ventilation flap either closing or popping open, like a pressure equalization flap. It may be tied to using the A/C, whether it's on or off, since I've heard it a few times in the last couple of days when it's hot outside and I've had the A/C on.

Exactly what I thought it was but good to hear its prob the sub. I've had it from day 1. Happens on every drive at least once or twice it seems. Never when opening the door though. I decided to live it with and accept it as so far only quirk.
Not thrilled with the KEF so far as the Bose in our 911 is way better. Even the stereo in our Jetta is better. But good enough where not replacing it.

 

[Iplaygoodguitar]

I always thought pop was pre vent flap opening. My speakers after break in sound much better.

 

[Porter]

Oh so it doesn't always happen? I see… I will now nervously expect a pop everytime I open my door.

The behavior seems almost like a loose ground, to me. Based on similar experiences in the past, particularly with aftermarket stereo equipment. Classic turn-on thump but it occurs inconsistently. And very occasionally will occur while driving.

 

[Eagle7]

Exactly what I thought it was but good to hear its prob the sub. I've had it from day 1. Happens on every drive at least once or twice it seems. Never when opening the door though. I decided to live it with and accept it as so far only quirk.
Not thrilled with the KEF so far as the Bose in our 911 is way better. Even the stereo in our Jetta is better. But good enough where not replacing it.

I've tried with A/C on and off, window open or closed, radio on or off. Doesn't seem to matter. It just randomly happens once in awhile without any particular pattern that I can see. It's not loud; the only thing I've noticed is no matter when it happens, whatever it is, it always sounds the same at the same volume.

Not a deal breaker, just a curiosity. I guess it wouldn't be a Lotus if it didn't have at least one quirk lol.

 

[SONOFEMERY]

I have the popping too, and it seems to happen more often when at a stop, but that could absolutely be me not hearing it while driving. It doesn't bother me too much, but it's kinda dumb that it happens. Might try to fix it someday. Lotus should really be fixing this.