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The Daily Insight

Why does my car radio make a hollow sound?

Author

Andrew Ramirez

Published Mar 29, 2026

Why does my car radio make a hollow sound?

Randomly loud pops, hissing and static comes blaring out of speakers, regardless of whether the radio is on or off, whether the mobile phone is being used or not, and whether the car is on or off! Craziness. Then while the radio is on, the sound (music or just talking) will convert from a full sound to a hollow sound.

What’s the buzzing noise coming from my speakers?

Speakers creating very loud buzzing noise when turned on. Every time I turn on my speakers, they create a very loud obnoxious buzzing noise. This just began last night, but over time they occasionally made small rare buzzing sounds. But, now I cannot even listen to anything on my computer due to the speakers.

Why are the speakers on my computer so loud?

But, now I cannot even listen to anything on my computer due to the speakers. It’s a very loud buzzing noise that will not go away unless I turn the speakers off.

Why does my car make a loud noise when I Turn on the lights?

This can be switching on your turn signal, headlights, brakes, windshield wipers or even the rear window defrost. These high current drawing accessories are causing a voltage spike that is traveling into your car audio equipment with the result being heard as a sharp pop.

Randomly loud pops, hissing and static comes blaring out of speakers, regardless of whether the radio is on or off, whether the mobile phone is being used or not, and whether the car is on or off! Craziness. Then while the radio is on, the sound (music or just talking) will convert from a full sound to a hollow sound.

Why does my radio make a rattling noise when I bump it?

If the radio produces a rattling or tinkling noise when it is bumped, it may be “microphonic” which is usually due to loose electrodes inside a valve. Lightly tap each valve with a finger to determine the faulty one. Replacing the valve is usually the only way to cure this.

What causes radio noise interference and annoying buzzes?

Sometimes you might experience interference and annoying radio noise or buzzing while listening on the AM band in particular. The question is, what causes that? Tip: A very good battery operated portable AM radio is great for preparedness.

What to do when your radio is making noise?

Use a battery-operated radio as a direction finder. Turn the radio until the loudest noise is heard. The front and back of the radio will usually point to the noise origin. Carry a battery-operated radio around the neighborhood paying attention to where the noise may be coming from. If a power pole is suspected, call the utility company.