wow, thats a really neat fix, ill get right on that, but it is a brand new model, well, it was a few months ago, and i installed one on a friends 4runner with the same amp, and no issues. anyway, ill definately do the grounds again, i have a feeling they may be an issue, although, they are grounded to the same spot as my old system was and that never had an issue... ill try all the suggestions tomorrow, its wet and cold and ive speant hours under teh hood already today. but thanks a lot, the rca ground is a neat trick, never though of that.