Hey all. First post here and I must say, quite the forum!

2006 Sport 4x4

So my issue is that when I have any accessory plugged into the accessory ports on my ranger I get a loud static noise going through the speakers. The head unit was replaced with an aftermarket unit but the problem was from before. Now Im guessing its a bad ground on the accessory ports but I could be wrong. Anyone have any idea how I can fix this?

Thanks alot!

 

bad ground it is

 

Grounds are important and should be checked but it may be something else.

Take the Cig Lighter and the Power Ports a part and clean them up; especially the Cig Lighter.

The Cig Lighter Port will get dirty, cause a bad connection and heat up, usually causing the heat to melt the plastic Bezel and push through; CLEAN IT UP… PITA to FIX !
If it is too dirty or falls apart get a new one… best in the long run.

 

x3, bad ground. you could also run a new ground.

 

Awesome, thanks guys. I'll give that a shot. Hopefully I wont have to run a new ground.

 

The power point, cig lighter socket and factory audio head unit share a ground under the carpet under the front edge of the driver's seat. As noted above, Ranger lighter and power point sockets sometimes have problems too.

 

Hate to revive this again but finally got a chance to try and work it out. I cleaned the contact on the cig lighter an ran a new ground from the stereo to a ground bolt under the right side fuse panel. Nothing changed and I still get the static. Odd thing is it's only when the vehicle is running. If I use it in accessory mode I can use both the cig and stereo no problem. Any ideas guys? I was thinking
Maybe just run a ground to the battery to the stereo. Thanks a bunch again guys.

 

Are we talking the cig lighter or the power port or both ?
You can remove both and take them apart, clean them up.
Cig Lighter has a nut on the back that needs to be removed and the thing falls apart, watch the pieces and how they go together.
The power port just unscrews on the back.
MAYBE a good cleaning inside will help.

Is the noise all the time or just when you are plugging something in ? I know you said “running" vs "not running' but what are you doing when it happens ?
Also, is the vehicle moving when you get the static or stationary ?

Check the wiring for the cig lighter and the power port, it may have bad connections.
No need to run a new ground to the battery; just make sure they have good connections.

Remember that both ports are close to the radio and will create static when you plug something in and remove it, basic happening when you spark electricity.
AM will pick up more static than FM and there should be no noise when there is a CD or Ipod, etc.

Good luck