ground loop isolator issue
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,119
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From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
ground loop isolator issue
I installed a ground loop isolator to deal with engine whine coming through my iPod/aux input, which I installed in my console, not the glove box. Naturally, I tucked the GLI away under the passenger side carpet along the console, so it was a PITA to get to it when I started having crackling issues. The connection into the aux in seems fine, but the iPod cable into the GLI is bad, cutting out if you jiggle it. I taped it up and stuffed it back and it worked for a while, but recently I'm getting static and noise, not just when listening to iPod but with every audio source. I dug out the GLI again and it seems to make the static when I have it stuffed against the console, but not when I pull it away, like it's creating interference just being near other wires. Right now I have it outside the carpet and stashed in the little netting in the passenger footwell. It looks just like this one:

Anyone who's ever pulled that carpet down knows there's not a lot of extra space in there, and this makes noise in the one spot it fits. Has anyone found a better quality and/or smaller GLI?

Anyone who's ever pulled that carpet down knows there's not a lot of extra space in there, and this makes noise in the one spot it fits. Has anyone found a better quality and/or smaller GLI?
No but I can tell you it's probably not just from your installation. I have the aux connection from the factory (glovebox) and I get engine whine. I forgot all about group loop isolators I remember reading up on them many years ago I might give one a try.
I also have the factory aux input in the glovebox, but I have only heard interference when the cable was near my cell phone. Maybe you guys should try a better quality cable? Perhaps one that's shielded may eliminate any noise.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 47
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From: California central coast
2001 E320 4matic wagon and 2000 E320 sedan
ground loop isolator issue
I installed a ground loop isolator to deal with engine whine coming through my iPod/aux input, which I installed in my console, not the glove box. Naturally, I tucked the GLI away under the passenger side carpet along the console, so it was a PITA to get to it when I started having crackling issues. The connection into the aux in seems fine, but the iPod cable into the GLI is bad, cutting out if you jiggle it. I taped it up and stuffed it back and it worked for a while, but recently I'm getting static and noise, not just when listening to iPod but with every audio source. I dug out the GLI again and it seems to make the static when I have it stuffed against the console, but not when I pull it away, like it's creating interference just being near other wires. Right now I have it outside the carpet and stashed in the little netting in the passenger footwell. It looks just like this one:

Anyone who's ever pulled that carpet down knows there's not a lot of extra space in there, and this makes noise in the one spot it fits. Has anyone found a better quality and/or smaller GLI?

Anyone who's ever pulled that carpet down knows there's not a lot of extra space in there, and this makes noise in the one spot it fits. Has anyone found a better quality and/or smaller GLI?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127SNI1...se-Filter.html
I did try a better cable one that was made by griffen and it was about $20 not really sure how good it is, but I looked like it was good quality. I think im going to do a blanket repair and replace the aux cable new cord and ground loop isolator.




