10
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Note: It is normal for the yellow trouble LED to blink when the amplifier is turned on or off.
This is a function of the protection circuit looking for trouble.
Red LED power indicator off, yellow trouble indicator off.
With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM):
• Check +12 Volt terminal
• Check Ground terminal
• Check for +12 Volts at remote turn-on terminal
Red LED power indicator on, yellow trouble indicator off:
• Make sure there is a module in place and the settings are correct
• Check RCA and speaker connections
• Test speaker outputs with a known good speaker
• Substitute a known good signal source
Yellow trouble LED on, red power indicator off:
1. Amp is very hot - Thermal protection is engaged. Verify that speaker
load impedance is not below specified minimums. Check area
around amplifier for objects which may restrict air flow and proper
cooling. If this continues to be a problem, take vehicle to an
authorized Kicker dealer for evaluation.
2. Amp is not too hot - Overcurrent protection is engaged, red power LED
blinks every two seconds. This indicates that there is a short in the
speaker wiring. Locate short using a VOM by checking between
speaker positive and negative. If the amplifier is used in stereo, try
disconnecting one channel at a time to help isolate which channel is shorted.
3. Amp is not too hot - Voltage to amp is not within the 9-16 volt operating
range. If the vehicle’s charging system goes over 16 volts, the amp
will shut off. If the voltage gets too low, the amp will not operate.
Using a VOM identify the voltage problem and rectify.
Alternator noise (whistling sound that follows the engine RPM).
• Make sure that the amp case is not grounded.
• Make sure that the source has a good ground.
• Check routing of the RCA cable. Try substituting another RCA
cable routed in a different location in the vehicle.
• Check gain setting to make sure that it is not too high.
Stereo image is unfocused and bass is reduced.
Check system phasing by turning the balance control from the left to
the right. If the bass is more prominent when turned to either side,
check speaker wiring for proper positive and negative connections.
Reverse connections on one channel if necessary.
CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper
cables are correct. If improper connections are made, it can result in blown amplifier fuses
as well as failure in other systems in the vehicle.
If you have more questions about the installation of your new KICKER component, see the
Authorized KICKER Dealer where you purchased your component. You may also call our
