Circuit/System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited, 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2017 Buick Enclave. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Each of the audio output channel circuits (+) and (-), at the radio and audio amplifier have a DC bias voltage that is one half of the battery voltage. When using a DMM, each of the audio output channel circuits will measure approximately 6.5 V DC. The audio being played on the system is produced by a varying AC voltage that is centered around the DC bias voltage on the same circuit. The AC voltage is what causes the speaker cone to move and produce sound. This voltage will vary depending on what type of audio is being listened to, talk or music, and type of music, as well as the volume setting of the system. Low volume and talk settings will measure around 1 V AC and less, where constant music may measure 3 V AC and slightly higher. In an amplified audio system, these similar AC voltage measurements may be slightly higher on the output of the amplifier, and the typical AC voltage readings at the output of the radio are less than 1V AC.