Troubleshooting - Kicker PXA-Serie Benutzerhandbuch

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 is a Power Protection LED on the side power panel of your Kicker PXA
series amplifier. Depending on the state of the amplifier and the vehicle's charging system, the
LED will glow either Red or Blue. When the blue LED is lit 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: Π+12 volt
power terminal (should read +12V to +16V)  Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to
+16V) Ž Check for reversed power and ground connections  Ground terminal, for proper
conductivity. For Hi-Level input, check input wires for +6V.
Blue LED on, no output? Check the following: Œ RCA connections  Test speaker
outputs with a "known" good speaker. Ž 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.
Protection LED flashing 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.
Protection LED on, no output? ΠAmplifier 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. Ž 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? Œ 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? ΠCheck for damaged RCA
(or speaker input) cable  Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable Ž Check the
source unit for proper grounding  Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are
set too high.
Reduced bass response? Reverse a speaker connection from positive to negative on the
stereo/subwoofer channel(s); if the bass improves, the speaker was out of phase.
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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