[chazglenn3]

So, the AVC isn't doing anything at all in my car. Going through the list of service records and things that have been done on the car, I noticed mention of a sunroof leak that resulted in water dripping from the overhead console. So, I am thinking that the Bose microphone up there may have gotten fried. Can't find any sort of troubleshooting for it in the FSM. Should I just buy a console and see if that fixes it? They are going for $50 on eBay, or are there any other suggestions?

 

[Ranger]

Charles, you do realize that it is optional and can be turned off don't you? Have you checked to verify that it is in fact activated? I have read that it is sound controlled as well, but I suspect it is speed controlled. I have tried yelling, whistling, screaming and nothing seems to make it louder. It does quiet down when I stop though.

 

[STSS]

I have tried yelling, whistling, screaming

Does the thought of this make anyone else laugh?

 

[Ranger]

Hehe, I know the visual is priceless (it makes ME laugh) and I almost didn't post it.

 

[STSS]

Its at least 3 mins later and I'm still laughing.

 

[chazglenn3]

Yes, it is turned on. I had it turned on and off with the original MiniDisc radio and it did nothing. Now that I have installed the factory DVD navigation radio, I have tried turning it on and off on it too, and still nothing. The sound remains constant moving or sitting still...windows open or closed. As funny as it sounds, Larry, I tried the yelling and screaming too...anyway, I bought an overhead console on eBay for $32...we'll see if it helps.

 

[Playdrv4me]

How odd, I thought speed had more effect on that than anything else as well.

 

[chazglenn3]

It depends on the design of the system. Most of the automatic volume control units out there are simply fed a vehicle speed signal from the PCM and they adjust the volume up as you go faster. Bose, however when designing the new system for the 1998 Seville went a different direction by using a dedicated microphone in the headliner that listens to the interior of the car and not only adjusts the volume, but also changes the equalizer frequencies to the changing listening environment. Bose did a very good job on this system. Have a look at this article...

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/upgrade/1279566.html

 

[BIG ERN]

funny thing today as i was pulling up to a stop light and the volume went down, windows down, volume set a about 3 volume had increased and lowered just like it's supposed too, but it was the first time i ever noticed it and then i see this thread weird

 

[Ranger]

It depends on the design of the system. Most of the automatic volume control units out there are simply fed a vehicle speed signal from the PCM and they adjust the volume up as you go faster. Bose, however when designing the new system for the 1998 Seville went a different direction by using a dedicated microphone in the headliner that listens to the interior of the car and not only adjusts the volume, but also changes the equalizer frequencies to the changing listening environment. Bose did a very good job on this system. Have a look at this article...

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/upgrade/1279566.html

Charles, then why can't we seem to cause any volume increase by raising the cabin noise?

 

[chazglenn3]

In my case, I think the microphone is shot. I'm not sure why yours isn't working...assuming the same system is employed in the DeVille. Is there a tiny microphone grill in your overhead console?

 

[Ranger]

No mic in the overhead that I can see, but I do think I see one in the rear view mirror.

 

[chazglenn3]

Hmmm...the one in the rear view mirror is for the OnStar. Maybe the DeVille uses the VSS type system.

 

[AMGoff]

Wow... I can honestly say that is something I would never, ever think about let alone spend money to fix - especially if the rest of the sound system was working properly. I don't even know if mine is turned on or not... I know it'll adjust my equalizer depending on what I'm listening to, but I'm not even sure I know where the control is for the AVC. Either way, as much as I love convenience features, I could definitely live with moving my right thumb two inches to manually adjust the volume.

I guess some folks just dwell on the oddest little things, lol.

 

[Playdrv4me]

Charles, then why can't we seem to cause any volume increase by raising the cabin noise?

Systems like these employ intelligent logic that knows the difference between temporary rises in loud or short bursts of noise, and the roar of an open window at speed.

 

[Playdrv4me]

Wow... I can honestly say that is something I would never, ever think about let alone spend money to fix - especially if the rest of the sound system was working properly. I don't even know if mine is turned on or not... I know it'll adjust my equalizer depending on what I'm listening to, but I'm not even sure I know where the control is for the AVC. Either way, as much as I love convenience features, I could definitely live with moving my right thumb two inches to manually adjust the volume.

I guess some folks just dwell on the oddest little things, lol.

I agree, Adam. Not only that, but I've always turned AVC off in every car I've ever owned that has it. It can be REALLY annoying in some. That being said, the Bose system in the Seville employs probably the most truly usable version of this technology.

AVC in the Escalade or BMWs is just AWFUL.

 

[Ranger]

Systems like these employ intelligent logic that knows the difference between temporary rises in loud or short bursts of noise, and the roar of an open window at speed.

Good thought. Maybe next time I get a chance, I'll drop a window and see if that causes an increase. Now I am even more curious.

 

[STSS]

I paid attention to mine this morning. Only time I could hear it change the volume was when I opened the moonroof going about 70, though I'm sure it quiets down a little when I stop.

 

[chazglenn3]

Wow... I can honestly say that is something I would never, ever think about let alone spend money to fix - especially if the rest of the sound system was working properly. I don't even know if mine is turned on or not... I know it'll adjust my equalizer depending on what I'm listening to, but I'm not even sure I know where the control is for the AVC. Either way, as much as I love convenience features, I could definitely live with moving my right thumb two inches to manually adjust the volume.

I guess some folks just dwell on the oddest little things, lol.

Well, I buy Cadillacs to enjoy all of the creature comforts, so naturally I want ALL of them to function correctly. To spend $32 to fix the AVC isn't a big deal to me.

 

[kckranz]

For some reason I've always been annoyed by the autoleveling volume control, so I haven't turned mine on. I'm curious, though, does the display on the radio show the volume increasing or decreasing under the appropriate circumstances or is the change just supposed to be audible?