2009 - 2013 Mazda 6 Bose 9M81 18T806 BB Amplifier Removal and Replacement

2009 - 2013 Mazda 6 Bose 9M81 18T806 BB Amplifier removal and replacement.
These Bose 9M81 18T806 BB amplifiers are found in Second Generation (GH) Mazda 6 vehicles and are known for developing problems as they age.
Common symptoms are:
- No Sound
- Machine gun noise through speakers
- Loud white noise
- Random loud noise when door is opened
In my case, I lost sound in the right door speakers. The amp will be sent to a repair shop where it will be rebuilt, replacing all known weak internals with updated parts. I reserve endorsement of any shop until after the work is done. Several such shops exist on eBay.
Tools used:
8 mm box wrench (for removing amp from cradle - optional)
10 mm box wrench (for removing cradle/amp assembly from car)
10 mm socket (for removing cradle/amp assembly from car)
Screw driver (for removing side panel - optional)
Approximate time of job (removal): 30 - 45 minutes.
#richardtait #mazda #mazda6 #tutorial

[@mothadone]

I finally got a chance to do this job today and your video was a godsend. Thank you & love the accent!

[@RichardTait1977]

You're welcome and thanks for the compliment!

[@j4n-style576]

Thank you so much for making this video. I appreciate you showing how to put it back together as well.

[@Kuno2]

Thank you so much for making this video. I just followed your instructions today to replace my dead amp (loud machine gun sound out of all speakers) with another I bought from Ebay. I don't really work on my car at all, but this seemed very doable thanks to your detailed walkthrough. After about 20 minutes I was done! Thanks!

[@brian.8888]

Mine still makes the machine gun sound after connecting the new amp, any tips ?

[@JPWRana]

I have this exact same noise. The loud machine gun sound. Did it get rid of that sound?

[@Kuno2]

@@JPWRana Yep, the replacement amp fixed that issue and still works great today. Give it a try!

[@notjazz.]

@@brian.8888you figure anything out?

[@alansindoni2541]

Great video, followed your instructions and made short work of the amplifier replacement. 👍👍

[@RobertLe-dk1is]

Thank you Richard, your description of the work is very accurate We were able to complete the amplifier replacement on my 2010 Mazda 6 GT within an hour, and we were amazed to have done so quickly.

[@RichardTait1977]

You're very welcome! Happy to be able to help.

[@eshirls3988]

Great video. 👍 👍. Detailed, well explained, well versed. Very helpful. Thanks so much.

[@RichardTait1977]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching

[@iamme1178]

Thanks my dude! This helped me with taking out my amp!

[@RichardTait1977]

Glad to have been of help!

[@neilfaulkner1960]

thanks for your video. i found a guy that comes to you. took out my 2008 maz 6 bose amp ,2 days later he installed the reconditioned amp with 2 years warranty.$330 aus. works like new.

[@RichardTait1977]

Good going!

[@saamuelzaavaalaa2965]

Hola Neil, podrías darme informes sobre en cuanto costó la reparación de tu amplificador, ya que tengo un problema con el mío y no encuentro donde repararlo

[@alejandrourbina2178]

muchas felicidades por tu excelente video, lo hiciste ver muy facil ¡¡ mil gracias amigo ¡ saludos desde monterrey mexico ¡¡¡¡¡

[@tedhann8345]

Great video. So glad to have found it. I had no idea where and how to pull the amp. My symptoms were that all speakers would cut out after a strange slamming sound. A day or 2 later it would come back. In the meantime I will leave the amp connected but I won't be putting all the panels back. I am thinking it may be an overheating issue. If it doesn't cut out again then that diagnosis would be confirmed. I ordered a used one anyway, just for safe keeping.

[@singerii]

Today I had a problem with my bose sound system. It sunded like a machinegun...even if I tried to turn the system of....after av short while... no sound anymore...could it be the amplifier gone bad? Was that the slamming sound?...like a machine gun?

[@johnjenkins2437]

Hi Richard, thank you for this video. Do you happen to know if in a Mazda 3 2018, the amplifier is also located there? Thank you very much

[@bartekino]

the europe version is under the right seat.

[@andrewmepham6877]

Can you make a video on how to do the subwoofer? I have a 2011 Mazda 6 and it doesn’t have the Bose system but I upgraded the screen to a Bose stereo and the guy said if I can change the amp and the subwoofer it should work! This video was really helpful and I would really appreciate it!

[@RichardTait1977]

Thanks for the comment. I really have no idea how to convert from the standard stereo system to a Bose system. To be honest with you, based on the reputation and reliability of Bose systems in general, I don't even think it's worth the effort. You can get a pretty decent system by using better equipment out there. Crutchfield sells an installation kit that will mount these aftermarket stereo head units and even make the steering wheel controls function as well. Just go to the website and search for your 2011 Mazda6. But, if this is something you really really want to do, I'll go ahead and make a video. Just give me some time to put things together.

[@RichardTait1977]

I haven't forgotten about your request, my friend, but a series of things have prevented me from attempting this tutorial. From what I can see it's a pretty involved process, though. Stay tuned...

[@MCRinOC]

Helpful video! Both your door speakers had no sound? How were you certain it was not a speaker issue vs an amp issue? Did you get the amp repaired?

[@MCRinOC]

I just watched your other video about your speakers. Bummer! Did you find replacements? I have the same model year and also had two Bose door speakers stop working. I was lucky and found a guy selling two he took out of his Mazda 3 - the front door ones only on Mazda 3 are the same as the Mazda 6 doors speakers. This instruction video was still excellent and helpful. Never knew amp location and how to remove.

[@RichardTait1977]

Thanks for the comment. As it happens, I jumped the gun with getting the amp repaired. I did a resistance test of the speakers, as well as the amp and I got some strange readings (possibly a bad tester?) so I used deductive reasoning to determine that it was an amp problem. That turned out to be wrong. It might have actually been that both speakers didn't go bad at the exact same time. I may just not have noticed that the right rear speaker was bad from before. Whatever the case, I messed up, but I don't regret it. I now have an amp that is hopefully more robust than it was before.

[@RichardTait1977]

I actually found the speakers new online for about $75 each. I plan to go ahead and get those because I anticipate used ones to have a much shorter life than new ones. What I've done in the mean time is to relocate the left rear speaker to the right front so I now have acceptable stereo sound. I should have the new ones in shortly, though. I'm not sure that I'll be putting up a video since there's nothing else to really show, unless my public wants me to show it. I'm glad you enjoyed the videos, though. Thanks for letting me know that the 3's front speakers fit our 6s. This is some critical information that I'll drop in a video, after all. Of course I'll mention your name as the source of that info, if that's okay with you. Take it easy, brother!

[@MCRinOC]

That should do it for you. I just plugged in the “new” ones and they worked straight away. Guy sold me the used ones for $50 total so I couldn’t pass that up! I’ll remember your videos if needed in the future.

[@Lordosvk]

for europains the BOSE aplifier is under the pasanger seat.

[@HeWhoGreetsWithFire]

Hello Richard! I I have no sound at all in my mazda 6, could the amplifier be at fault? (I already replaced the fuse for the sound system btw)

[@RichardTait1977]

It could be at fault, yes.

[@dnkjdnkj2679]

Hello Richard. I have recently bought a 2009 Mazda6 wagon. RHD, 2.5 litre, auto 160000km etc When biased to the front speakers, there is only the faintest sound from them; the balance makes no difference. The rear speakers are working although they sometimes sound 'wobbly'. Mine is the stock, non Bose 6 disc changer. Is there an easy way to discover if the issue is with the speakers or the head unit?

[@RichardTait1977]

Greetings! Thanks for watching. The first thing you want to do is to swap the rear door speakers with the fronts. If there is no change then the problem is probably the head unit. If the bad behaviour moves to the rear, then you have bad speakers. Good luck. Let us know what happens!

[@CraszyAsce]

I have a 2018 mazda 6 that has audio issues regardless of whether I’m using CarPlay, radio, or any other Bose speaker function. Right now it doesn’t play any audio even tho the apps (eg CarPlay) work. I did hear some thumping almost like there could be a short in the speakers previous to this when trying to play music in my car. Could this actually be a bad amp tho? If so, any guidance on replacing or fixing the amp for the 2018 + models?

[@RichardTait1977]

I can't recall a lot of 3G cars having problems with their amps, but we are talking about Bose here, and their problems are known in every car that they are installed in, be that car Mazda, Infiniti, or Chevy. Not a fan. Therefore, it could be the amp. If you want to jump to having it repaired, check out eBay. There will be lots of guys on there that offer the service.

[@MusiChapman]

Hi Richard, great video, I am however trying to find my amplifier location on the 2003 Mazda 6, my model is the right hand drive version. I find the wiring for the subwoofer in the trunk but can't seem to be able to find where the amplifier should be. Note that this model seems to have all the wiring but did come with the amp, sub nor tweeters. Would really appreciate if you can provide me with some insight.

[@RichardTait1977]

I believe the amplifier for the RHD GG model (1G) is under the driver's seat.

[@MusiChapman]

@@RichardTait1977 I search under both front seats but can't find the connector like i can everywhere else

[@RichardTait1977]

@@MusiChapman I checked a 1G workshop manual that I have access to and the amplifier is under the driver's seat (RHD model), but it is actually closer to the right rear passenger footwell and requires the driver's seat to be pushed all the way forward to get to.

[@treym4600]

Hey bro. So im thinking this is whats wrong with my 2010... ive been having moisture under the front passenger floormat that i am told is from a clogged ac drain line or whatever. No one anywhere will un clog it and im no mechanic. Wondering if you knew how to do this and if moistyre could cause it. THANKS!

[@RichardTait1977]

As it happens, I had this very problem with water getting under the passenger carpet. My problem was not a clogged AC drain pipe. but the problem was in the general vicinity. The AC drain pipe is on the passenger side of the engine bay, up against the firewall. It is just a little pipe that juts out of the firewall. It is a very bad design since it does not have a hose to carry the water away from the frame. In my case, as the AC water dripped from the pipe, it ran down the firewall down and under the sound-deadening material and found its way inside the cabin through a hairline crack in the seam. I fixed it by putting some silicone on the hairline crack and fitting a hose to the pipe. That hose no longer allows the water to run down the firewall. Some northern cars developed a front crossmember corrosion problem because of this pipe and Mazda fitted a hose to those cars. A friend of mine has a 2010 and it was originally from up north and it had this hose fitted. In case you are wondering, I went to O'Reilly and bought a Dorman PCV elbow, Part#47028 and it fit perfectly. You can see my post on mazda6club.com: www.mazda6club.com/threads/water-getting-into-the-cabin-but-where.447376/

[@roblewis8776]

Question. No sound on radio. Fused good. How will I know for sure it's the amp and not the radio itself. Thanks

[@Robert_Martham]

Hey! Have you found out what was the problem with that issue? " No sound on radio. Fused good. on mazda 6". Thanks!

[@armansaric3112]

Dear Richard..Warm hello from Europe! I have a problem with my bose sound (only couple minutes cut out sound simillar like sound of bad CD).I thing it is amp..My question is do you know where to order amp..I have a luck because EU version of Mazda 6 it's peace of cake to change (under seat).Thank you very much and sorry on my bad english 😁

[@RichardTait1977]

Thanks for watching the video(s). I'm sorry, but I don't know where in Europe you could order the amplifier from, except to go to the dealer. I see you are in Slovenia. I don't know how close a Mazda dealer may be to you, either.

[@Robert_Martham]

1000 subscriber - good luck! $$$

[@RichardTait1977]

Thanks, so much, my friend!! Now I've got to get my content and viewership up! My HOA isn't going to like this one bit! LMAO!

[@Robert_Martham]

😀😀😀@@RichardTait1977

[@PetaByrne-kx8tx]

I am just trying to get the loud machine gun noise to stop can I just remove the fuse for the bose system to stop it?

[@RichardTait1977]

Go ahead and try that. But what that will do is you will lose functionality of the stereo and Bluetooth as well. If what you want is peace of mind for now, that's a good solution. If you can't find the fuse or if it also takes out another feature that you do want, then just get behind the panel like I show in the video and unplug the amplifier.

[@singerii]

Today I had a problem with my bose sound system. It sunded like a machinegun...even if I tried to turn the system of....after av short while... no sound anymore...could it be the amplifier gone bad?

[@RichardTait1977]

That's perhaps the most common sign of the amplifier going bad.

[@momoneyindabank4]

Csn you use a newer bpse amplifier or you have to use that one in particular?

[@RichardTait1977]

Thanks for watching the video. I don't know if a newer/different amp would work. But as I've said, if something should go wrong with this amp at any point now, I would be looking to replace the entire stereo system with non Bose pieces. I've pretty much lost all confidence in the brand.

[@momoneyindabank4]

@@RichardTait1977 I like the sound quality but I was interested in keeping it and seeing if a newer bose amplifier or some other brand wouod work well with the speakers.

[@RichardTait1977]

@@momoneyindabank4 I understand. If you can find the exact replacement or another that can work it would be much simpler than what I would do. The danger of experimenting with these things is that you could cause damage.

[@julio-ne3gt]

How much will be the repair cost for your amp? and what parts of it that must be replaced or fixed? Thanks, Sir.

[@RichardTait1977]

The repair cost me $117.99, but I had to pay for it to be shipped to the fixers. They returned it to me at no extra charge, and the entire thing took two weeks or so. I won't be endorsing this person because I don't like the quality of their work (I found it to be untidily packaged for return to me and the amp itself had dust and metal filings on it). They also refused to answer my question as to whether anything was found wrong with the amp. I can understand if they do not want to divulge their trade secrets, but at least responding to my question would have been appreciated. That said, there are dozens of people on eBay who offer this service. Just do a search for "Mazda Bose Amplifier Repair" and they will come up. Good luck!

[@julio-ne3gt]

@@RichardTait1977 Well, thanks a lot, mate. I think about buying a new one instead of repairing mine.

[@RichardTait1977]

@@julio-ne3gt You will pay several hundreds for a new one, if you can find it. On top of that, you may run into the same problems with the (obviously) substandard parts that Bose is using. I have no regrets about having mine repaired, even though it probably didn't need it. If you do research online, you will find lots of reports that Bose tends to use cheap parts to accomplish their goals. If my amp fails completely, I wouldn't have a problem gutting the Bose components and replacing them with better units from Sony or Kenwood. I would still want the stock appearance, though, and there are kits that can help with that.

[@hipolitogarciajimenez1552]

Should it be reprogrammed when changing this module?

[@RichardTait1977]

There's nothing to reprogram. Just plug it back in and that's it.

[@hipolitogarciajimenez1552]

@@RichardTait1977 ok thanks richard

[@ratchethunter9058]

I knew this video is kinda old but can you run the car with the amplifier disconnected? Thanks

[@RichardTait1977]

Yes, you can run the car with the amplifier disconnected. You won't have any audio from the factory stereo system, though.

[@alexander8370]

What wire do you unplug to disconnect the amp but not the battery?

[@alexander8370]

Do you know how to just unhook the amp without the battery dying until I can get a new one?

[@RichardTait1977]

Try unplugging it.

[@alexander8370]

I’m not sure which one to unplug, I know one of the three goes to the battery

[@RichardTait1977]

@@alexander8370 Remove all three of the connectors. It doesn't matter at that point because if there is no power going to the amplifier then nothing else will work.

[@brian.8888]

I connected the new amp but only get loud machine gun noise .. what should I do ?

[@RichardTait1977]

Oh dear. Where did you get this "new" amp? That's the sound they make when they need to be replaced or rebuilt. I hope you didn't buy an amp that was already toast.

[@brian.8888]

@@RichardTait1977 off eBay they said it was a brand new amp

[@RichardTait1977]

@@brian.8888 The only thing to do is to request a refund, unless you want to spend more money and have it rebuilt.

[@Pinkielover]

You're better off getting an aftermarket amp

[@RichardTait1977]

Not necessarily. Replacing the amp will require replacing practically everything connected to it, including the head unit and speakers. The head unit will also have to have buttons for the clock. There is also an interface to have the steering wheel controls work. If you don't care about those things, then you can just throw bits and pieces in there. For me, I want the stock appearance and function and repairing the amp is the cheapest option

[@bestautosoundsecurity608]

yea if you want to replace everything thing sure

[@andrewdicker8877]

666 subscriber

[@RichardTait1977]

Just in time for Halloween, huh? LOL 🎃👻🦇🕷🧛‍♂️🧟‍♂️

[@andrewdicker8877]

@@RichardTait1977 hahaha yes! So currently I have no sound in my car, I believe its the amp or head unit but I'm not 100% positive. I currently have a PAC RP4-MZ11 and a dash kit for my mazda 6, I'm planning on putting in a new head unit, and seeing if I wire that into the factory amp if it would still play through the amp to the speakers, if not I'll just wire the inputs of the amps to the outputs. What do you think about me doing this, would it work?