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. The PWR/PRT LED on the side panel of your amplifier will reflect
the state of the amplifier and the vehicle's charging system. When the LED is blue, this
indicates the amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists.
Blue 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.
Blue 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.
Red LED flickering with loud music? The red 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 LED on, no output? Amplifier is very hot = thermal protection is engaged. Test
for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (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 10–16 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.
No or low output? Check the balance control on source unit Check the RCA (or
speaker input) and speaker output connections.
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.
Ground Noise? KICKER amplifiers are engineered to be fully compatible with all
manufacturers' head units. Some head units may require additional grounding to prevent
noise from entering the audio signal. If you are experiencing this problem with your head
unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the RCA outputs on the head unit to the
chassis will remedy this issue.
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 support@kicker.com or call Technical Services (405) 624-8583 for unanswered or
specific questions.
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