Audible Signs:
* Distorted sound: This is the most common sign. The sound will be crackling, buzzing, rattling, or generally unpleasant at any volume, especially at higher volumes. It won't sound clear or clean.
* No sound: Complete silence from one or more speakers is a clear indication of a problem, possibly a blown speaker.
* Sound only at certain frequencies: You might hear sound only at certain volumes or pitches, indicating damage to specific parts of the speaker's components.
* Scratching or rubbing sounds: These indicate physical damage within the speaker cone or its surrounding parts.
Visual Signs (requires removing the speaker cover):
* Torn or damaged speaker cone: The cone (the paper or plastic part that vibrates) will be visibly ripped, punctured, or otherwise damaged.
* Loose or damaged voice coil: This is harder to see without significant disassembly, but a damaged voice coil (the part that moves the cone) can cause distortion. You might see it rubbing against the magnet.
* Visible damage to the surround: The surround (the material around the cone's edge) might be torn or detached.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check the sound system settings: Make sure the volume isn't too high (though distortion often happens even at moderate volumes with a blown speaker) and the balance and fader are correctly adjusted.
2. Test different audio sources: Try different audio inputs (radio, CD, aux input, etc.) to rule out problems with the audio source itself.
3. Check the connections: Make sure the speaker wires are securely connected to both the speaker and the head unit. A loose connection can mimic a blown speaker.
4. Listen carefully to each speaker individually: Play some music and listen to each speaker to pinpoint the source of the distortion.
If you suspect a blown speaker:
* It's best to take your Tahoe to a car audio specialist or dealership for diagnosis and repair. Replacing a car speaker can be tricky and requires some technical knowledge. Improper repair can damage other components in the system.
Don't attempt to fix the speaker yourself unless you have experience with car audio repair. Replacing the speaker is usually more cost-effective than trying to repair internal damage.
