ALC Control not working?

[MartyMng]

I am a new owner of a 2007 Mazda5 Touring. It has "ALC" (automatic level control) on the sound system, but it doesn't seem to make a difference whether I have it to off, 1, 2, or 3. Could there be a problem with this? Or does it really only kick in at high speeds? (Haven't done much high speed driving yet)

It's off warranty, so hopefully it's an easy fix I can do myself if it is broken! Thanks!

 

[Robotazky]

I'm curious if you aren't noticing it getting louder, or if you notice it's harder to hear as you get faster. If you don't notice it getting louder, then it probably works great and you don't notice it working. If it's getting harder and harder to hear, then max out the setting. If it still doesn't do anything, well, you're SOL.

 

[flcruising]

This is from the '08 owner's manual. ALC is speed related, not ambient sound related.


View attachment Audio System.pdf

 

[Robotazky]

This is from the '08 owner's manual. ALC is speed related, not ambient sound related.


View attachment 176930

Yes. And...?

OP, you will have enough sound at 45 MPH to raise the volume, especially with the garbage OEM Toyos on it.

 

[MartyMng]

I'll have to take it out at 45mph + and listen very closely for changes. Is there any visual indicator on the display when the volume changes?

 

[DKaz]

No... the volume should just appear to be at the same volume level as when you are idling (even though it is louder to go above the road noise). I find that ALC1 is good for smooth roads, ALC2 or 3 is good for the rougher/noisier roads.

 

[flcruising]

...Or does it really only kick in at high speeds? (Haven't done much high speed driving yet)...

Robotaz - Just clarifying what he asked above.

 

[SuperJETT]

What is your symptom that tells you it isn't working?

 

[Robotazky]

Robotaz - Just clarifying what he asked above.

Oh, didn't see that. Sorry. I do that when I try to squeeze a few minutes on the forum in at work.

OP, again, you will not hear it going up and down necessarily if it is working correctly. My 5 is on ALC 3 and I have never heard it make a definitive change. I think the stereo has a fading capability for going from phone to radio and vice versa, which would be used to keep you from hearing a sharp change in volume. As long as it doesn't get too quiet and is drowned out by the road noise, it is working.

 

[wmzda5]

My 07 GT ALC3 kicks in at 100 kph