9
KX Amplifiers
Help
Trouble shooting
If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check
obvious things first such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring
connections, crossover switch set properly, gain controls properly
set, etc.
There are two LEDs on the end panel of your Kicker KX series
amplifier, one green and one red. When the green LED is lit this
indicates the amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists. If the
green LED turns off and the red LED is lit this indicates that the
protection circuitry (SORT) is engaged.
The power indicator on top of the amplifier which
illuminates the model badge follows the same function as the
green LED.
Green LED off, no output:
With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check:
+12 volt power terminal (should read +12V to 16V).
Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to+16V).
Ground terminal.
Green LED on, no output:
Check RCA connections.
Test speaker outputs with known good speaker.
Substitute known good source unit.
Check for signal on RCA cable with VOM meter in AC
position.
Red LED on, no output:
1.) Amp is very hot.
Thermal protection is engaged. Check for proper
impedance at speaker terminals. Also check for
adequate airflow around amplifier.
2.) Amp shuts down only while vehicle is running.
Voltage protection is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier
is not within the 9-16 volt operating range. Have auto
mobile charging/electrical system inspected.
3.) Amp will only play at low volume levels.
Short circuit protection is engaged. Check for speaker
wires shorted to each other or the vehicle chassis.
Damaged speakers or operating below minimum
impedance will also cause this.
Low Power Output
Swap speaker connections from positive to negative.
If bass improves, the speaker was out of phase.
Alternator noise (whining sound that varies with engine
RPM):
Check for damaged RCA cable.
Check routing of RCA cable.
Check source unit for good ground.
Check gain setting, turn down if 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
failure in other systems in the vehicle.
If you have more questions about the installation and operation
of your new KICKER amplifier, see the Authorized KICKER
Dealer in your area. You may also call our Technical Services
Line at (405) 624-8583 for assistance or visit our website at
www.KICKER.com.
NOTE: All specifications and performance figures are subject to change. Please visit the support section at www.kicker.com for the most current information.
