POWER Amplifiers
12
Troubleshooting
NOTE: If the protection light is activated with no speakers connected to
the amplifier, and all the power connections are correct, this would
indicate an internal problem with the amplifier.
Problem
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
Amplifier does not
turn on
No power to +12V
terminal
Check fuse(s)
No power to REM
terminal
Check head unit fuse(s) and
wiring
Blown main fuse at
battery
Replace fuse and identify
cause of failure
Blown fuse at amplifier
Replace fuse and identify
cause of failure
Faulty ground
Re-ground main power
ground to bare metal
chassis
Volume control too
sensitive
Input level control
adjusted too high
Re-adjust the input level
(refer to page 8)
Distorted sound
Input level control
adjusted too high
Re-adjust the input level
(refer to page 8)
Blows fuse(s) at amp Power wires connected
backwards
Reconnect power wires
properly
Internal problem with
amp
Take unit for service
Engine noise /
Alternator whine
Ground loop(s)
Use good quality shielded
RCA cables
Faulty ground at amp
Re-ground amp to clean
bare metal chassis
Faulty ground at head
unit
Re-ground head unit to
clean bare metal chassis
Inductive coupling
Re-route RCA and/or
speaker wires away from
factory harnesses
Input level on amp set
too high
Re-adjust input level (refer
to page 8)
Thermal protection
activated
Amplifier driving 2 ohm
load for long durations
If the amplifier “thermals”
frequently while driving
subwoofers, install fan to
keep amp cool.
Short circuit
protection activated
Blown speakers
Check all speakers
Speaker wire(s) shorting
to ground
Check for faulty wiring
Defective crossover
Faulty passive crossover
Low impedance
protection activated
Amp connected to
improper load
Check speaker connections
Amp will not drive a 1
ohm mono load, 2 ohm
minimum in mono
configuration
Verify that speakers are
connected properly
Speakers defective/
blown
Check speakers
Faulty passive
crossovers
Check crossovers
Poor bass response
Speakers out of phase
Check speaker polarity;
reverse the connection to
one speaker only if two
subwoofers are connected
to the amplifier.