Troubleshooting Guide
SoundRacer works with most car models, however on some cars SoundRacer may not work straight away. Please use the following information guide to help troubleshoot any problems before contacting maxed-up.
SoundRacer has problems following the engine speed.
If there is no first beep or second two beeps, then the SoundRacer may have a problem detecting the alternator signal and rpm. This can happen if the alternator signal is very low compared to other electrical noise.
In some cars the alternator signal is too weak if there is no electrical load on the alternator. (Typical for this situation is that SoundRacer works fine a few minutes after start when the alternator is charging the battery and then fails to follow the engine rpm when the battery is fully charged).
In this case it can help to turn on the headlights, seat heating, rear window heating or other electrical equipment to increase the load on the alternator.
In other cars the noise level can be too high on the 12V circuit, so try switching off the fan, air conditioning, window wipers or other potential sources of electrical noise.
If the engine sounds change repeatedly to higher rpm when the engine is idling then try to lock the idling to a higher rpm. This makes the rpm detection avoid the higher noise levels that some cars have around and below the idling rpm.
Other problems with rpm following can be reduced by using the following method.
Locking the idling to a higher rpm
This is done by not releasing the throttle fully during start-up, after the first beep you keep the rpm at approximately 1300-1700 rpm until the two beeps confirms the idling detection.
Problems with the FM radio reception
On some cars the SoundRacer engine sound is weak or is disturbed by noise.
One reason can be that the SoundRacer is too far from the car radio or the antenna. Some car windows have a metallic coating that prevents the radio signals from SoundRacer reaching the antenna.
By governmental restrictions the FM transmission power must be very small in products like SoundRacer. One solution can be to buy a separate 12V plug and socket cable and try other positions of the SoundRacer inside the car.
Another reason can be that there is a radio station transmitting close to the frequency you have selected on your SoundRacer, try to find a frequency on the radio where no stations are transmitting on nearby frequencies and it may help reduce the interference. We know that in some areas there are so many FM radio stations that it is hard to find an empty space.
It also depends on the model or brand of the car radio, better receivers have a narrow frequency band and are not as easily disturbed by radio stations on nearby frequencies.
If you still are not satisfied with your SoundRacer you may return your SoundRacer back to us for a refund.
Please state the make, model and year of your vehicle for future reference.
