Okay, this is really frustrating. With my 05 I tried to add an amp but got low volume coming from my subs the entire time no matter the volume on the radio. Original post at https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ad.php?t=82713 Even bought a PAC connector and had the same problem. Ended up just going to a line-level converter to fix the problem.

Well just got an 09, bought a PAC C2A-CHY connector and I'm having the exact same problem as I did before. My sub amp is getting a constant feed of sound (about mid volume level) no matter where I put my volume **** (only shuts off when I go to 0). I'm having a hard time figuring out how PAC can sell something that doesn't work....or am I just missing something?

 

Most of those line level converters have an adjustment (pot) to raise or lower the sound level entering the amp.
Have you tried adjusting it or the amps gain level ?

 

This isn't an actual line level adapter (though it appears I may need to go back to this again). This adapter plugs into the back of the radio and grabs the low level signal out the back. And there is no adjustments on it. I have my gain on my amp turned all the way down and even with the volume at level 1 the bass is thumping pretty hard. Bass does not increase when the volume on the other speakers/**** is increased. It is essentially like the adapter has no volume control.

 

Does your amp have line level inputs on it? Some have that at the flick of a switch.
If it doesn't then I would think your only alternative would be a line level output adapter.

 

No line-level inputs. Which is why I bought the adapter before. I just don't understand how/why PAC can sell something specifically that is supposed to do this (at $100 no less) and it doesn't work.

 

Ever figure this out?

 

Nope....as I did in my 05, I ended up just using a line-level converter. It works fine but was hoping to do it the "right" way.

 

Are you saying you used the iPAC-CHY or something different?

 

The iPAC-CHY works fine (almost)....well the iPod won't shut off if plugged in even when the truck is turned off. So you have to unhook it and manually shut it off. But that is a minor glitch I can live with to not have to worry about using an FM modulator and having steering wheel controls for the track selection.

I'm just confused on why the PAC C2A-CHY doesn't work for hooking up an amp.

 

I think because the RCA's on it are ONLY made to hook up an MP# or something that has sound going INTO. it. When you hook an amp to it, you are trying to get sound to come OUT of it. Look @ the Trunk-PAC.

 

No, the PAC C2A-CHY has nothing to do with an MP3 player. It is specifically designed to add an amp to a factory audio system.

http://www.pac-audio.com/instructions/c2a-chy.pdf

 

"The C2A-CHY provides a 4-channel pre-amp output signal for use with aftermarket ampliiers. This inter-
face uses the full range fixed level headunit output in conjunction with CAN-bus messages and delivers a
5v RMS (max) pre-amp output with fading and balance capabilities. A radio controlled remote turn on wire
is also provided by the C2A-CHY."
So unless I am reading this wrong, it says NOTHING about volume control.
You would only be able to use the fader or balance to control the amps output. I am in no way the sharpest knife in the drawer, but thats the way I am reading this.

 

I thought you were talking about the iPAC-CHY. Sorry.

 

In 2005 Dodge switched to a digital signal that controls the volume called CAN-bus. If you note it says: "fixed level headunit output in conjunction with CAN-bus messages". The adapter does not seem to get this CAN-bus message so it it at full volume all the time. But I don't understand why anyone would need something that has no volume control. Even if you had a separate volume **** for the amp it would mean you would have to constantly mess with 2 ***** for volume control. Maybe I am missing something but I can't see what the point of this adapter is if a constant 5 volt output is all it offers???

 

"Each amplifier, depending on power output and input sensitivity, will need to be adjusted differently The gain of the new amplifier will need to be adjusted to blend in with the existing speakers or set to a desired level."

techsupport@pac-audio.com • Voice: 714-835-3022
I would call them and ask.
It sure doesn't sound like it is designed to do what anyone would want.