TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
This power amplifier has protection features to prevent most forms of damage.
If the unit senses excessive heat, short circuited speakers or overload, the protection indicators will
be lit and the system will be turned off. Prior to checking the wiring for any fault, you should turn all
level controls down and turn off power. If the amplifier shuts down due to excessive heat, the
protection indicators will not be lit: simply allow the amplifier to cool down.
Before removing your amplifier, refer to the list below and follow the suggested procedures.
Always test the speakers and their wires first.
PROTECTION LED ILLUMINATES WHEN AMPLIFIER IS POWERED UP
FUSE BLOWING
OVERHEATING
Check if the minimum speaker impedance is met.
Check speakers for short-circuits.
Check if there is good airflow around the amplifier
Check if a good ground connection is present. Most engine noises are caused by
grounding issues.
Hissing noise is most often caused by gain issues. Proper gain matching is
usually required to eliminate hissing noise.
SOUND TOO LOW-DISTORTED SOUND
Check if the input level control is set to match the output level of the source unit.
Check the head unit's volume.
Check speakers for short-circuits
Check if crossover frequencies have been properly set.
HIGH HISSING NOISE - ENGINE NOISE IN SPEAKERS
Check if the minimum speaker impedance is met.
Check for short-circuits on power cable and vehicle chassis.
AMPLIFIER IS NOT POWERED UP
Check if at least +12V DC is present on the battery power terminal.
Check if at least +13.8V DC is present on the remote terminal.
Check if a good ground connection is present. Check all fuses.
Check if the protection LED is not lit.
Check to see if any speaker wires are short-circuited to the chassis or themselves.
Remove speaker wires and reset the amplifier. If the protection LED still comes on,
then the amplifier is at fault.
The Zapco Z-Series is a joint venture of
ARPA of America and ARPA Italy and
is manufactured in Korea
ARPA of America Corporation
3037 E Palm Ave Suite 101
Manteca, CA 85337
Phone: (800) 47-Force
