How to Tell If Your Car Speakers are Blown

Often the problem with a malfunctioning car stereo is a blown or partially blown speaker. Follow these steps to diagnose the problem.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. If a speaker is blown or partially blown it will distort. This may produce a static-like sound or a fuzzy distortion. If the speaker is completely blown it most likely will not emit any sound other than distortion, and if it is partially blown it will distort at loud levels.

2. Test by touch. This is usually only helpful on woofers, but if you can lightly touch the cone of the speaker, you may be able to tell if it is out. Speakers, especially woofers, vibrate and displace air. So if you touch it and it is not moving even when the volume is turned up, it is probably blown or partially blown.

3. Isolate the problem speaker. Most car stereos have fade and balance controls. Use these to discover which speaker has blown. If you do not have fade and balance controls, you can place your ear near each individual speaker to find the problem one.

4. Take it to a professional. If you cannot find the problem, let a professional car audio technician look at the speakers.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not try to fix something if you don't have the skills. You could damage something and end up spending significantly more money to get your sound system fixed. Bring it to someone who knows what they are doing.