11
OPERATION
TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE:If you are having problems after installation follow the Troubleshooting procedures below.
Procedure 1: Check Amplifier for proper connections.
Verify that POWER light is on. If POWER light is on skip to Step 3, if not continue.
1. Check in-line fuse on battery positive cable. Replace if necessary.
2. Check fuse(s) on amplifier. Replace if necessary.
3. Verify that Ground connection is connected to clean metal on the vehicle’s chassis. Repair/replace if
necessary.
4. Verify there is 9 to 16 Volts present at the positive battery and remote turn-on cable.Verify quality
connections for both cables at amplifier, stereo, and battery/fuseholder. Repair/replace if necessary.
Procedure 2: Protect or Thermal light is on.
1. If the Protect light is on, this is a sign of a possible short in the speaker connections. Check for
proper speaker connections and use an ohm meter to check for possible shorts in the speaker wiring.
Too low of a speaker impedance may also cause Protect to light.
2. If the Thermal light is on, check for proper speaker impedance, rewire if needed.This can also be a sign
of driving the amplifier at very high power levels without adequate airflow around the amplifier. Shut
off the system and allow amplifier to cool. Check that the vehicle charging system is maintaining
proper voltage. If the previous items do not solve the problem, a fault may be in the amplifier, call
customer service for support.
Procedure 3: Check Amplifier for audio output.
1. Verify good RCA input connections at stereo and amplifier. Check entire length of cables for kinks,
splices, etc.Test RCA inputs for AC volts with stereo on. Repair/replace if necessary.
2. Disconnect RCA input from amplifier. Connect RCA input from test stereo directly to amplifier input.
Procedure 4: Check Amplifier if you experience Turn-on Pop.
1. Disconnect input signal to amplifier and turn amplifier on and off.
2. If the noise is eliminated, connect the REMOTE lead of amplifier to source unit with a delay turn-on
module.
OR
1. Use a different 12 Volt source for REMOTE lead of amplifier (i.e. battery direct).
2. If the noise is eliminated, use a relay to isolate the amplifier from noisy turn-on output.
Procedure 5: Check Amplifier if you experience excess Engine Noise.
1. Route all signal carrying wires (RCA, Speaker cables) away from power and ground wires.
OR
ADJUSTING GAIN
Do the following individually for each channel.
To adjust the gain setting, turn the amplifier gains all the way down (counter-clockwise).Turn the source unit
volume up until distortion is audible and then turn it down a bit until the distortion is inaudible.This will be
about all the way up on most source units. Next, increase the amplifier gain setting until adequate volume is
achieved.
NOTE:Best signal to noise and dynamic range are realized with the gain at minimum. Most users find
adequate gain and volume is achieved at about halfway in the adjustment range.
CAUTION:Avoid setting the amplifier gain very high as noise and distortion will
increase significantly.
NOTE:For a more in depth setting procedure, contact Rockford Technical Support.
