15
English
Troubleshooting
If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check the obvious things first such as blown
fuses, poor or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain
controls, etc. There are Power (PWR) & Protection (PRT) LEDs on the side panel of your
KICKER KEY series amplifier. Depending on the state of the amplifier and the vehicle’s charging
system, the LEDs will glow either green or red. When the green LED is lit, this indicates the
amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists.
Green LED off, no output?
With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following:
+12 volt
power terminal (should read +12V to +16V)
Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to
+16V)
Check for reversed power and ground connections
Ground terminal, for proper
conductivity.
Green LED on, no output?
Check the following:
RCA connections
Test speaker
outputs with a “known” good speaker.
Substitute source unit with a “known” good source
unit.
Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the VOM meter set to
measure “AC” voltage. Use a 50Hz test tone.
Red (PRT) LED flickering with loud music?
The red (PRT) LED indicates low battery
voltage. Check all the connections in your vehicle’s charging system. It may be necessary to
replace or charge your vehicle’s battery or replace your vehicle’s alternator.
Red (PRT) LED on, no output?
Amplifier is very hot = thermal protection is engaged.
Test for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter set to “DC Resistance”
(see the diagrams in this manual for minimum recommended impedance and multiple speaker
wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airflow around the amplifier.
Amplifier shuts
down only while vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the
amplifier is not within the 6–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging and electrical
system inspected.
Amplifier will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection is
engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for
damaged speakers or speaker(s) operating below the minimum recommended impedance.
GAIN MATCH LED on?
Input signal overdrive or gain set too high: Reduce the gain or the
strength of the input signal.
No or low output?
Check the balance and fader controls on source unit.
Check the
RCA (or speaker input) and speaker output connections.
Check the volume level on your
source unit, to include the volume level of any connected phones or MP3 players.
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM?
Check for damaged RCA
(or speaker input) cable
Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable
Check the
source unit for proper grounding
Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are set
too high.
CAUTION:
When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper
cables are correct. Improper connections can result in blown amplifier fuses as well as the
failure of other critical systems in the vehicle.
If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product,
see the Authorized KICKER Dealer where you made your purchase. For more advice on
installation, click on the SUPPORT tab on the KICKER homepage,
www.KICKER.com
.
Choose the TECHNICAL SUPPORT tab, choose the subject you are interested in, and then
download or view the corresponding information. Please E-mail [email protected] or call
Technical Services (405) 624-8583 for unanswered or specific questions.
