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SX .4 Series Amplifiers
Help
Troubleshooting
If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check obvious
things first such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring
connections, crossovers set improperly, gain controls improperly
set, etc.
There are two LEDs on the end panel of your KICKER SX
series amplifier, one green and one red. The green LED indicates
the amplifier is turned on. The red LED indicates that there is a
fault condition with the end panel fuses and they need checked.
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 to chassis ground (should read 0).
Green LED on, no output:
Check amp status in SICK BAY.
Check GAIN RANGE in SYSTEM menu.
Check GAIN LEVEL in GAIN menu.
Check if MUTE is activated.
Test amp using PINK NOISE in SICK BAY menu.
If amp makes noise using PINK NOISE then:
Check RCA cable and connections.
Check for signal on RCA cable with VOM in AC
position.
Substitute known good source unit.
If amp does not make noise using PINK NOISE then:
Check speaker connections.
Test speaker outputs with known good speaker.
Other Symptoms:
Amp is very hot, no output.
Thermal protection is engaged. Check SICK BAY to
verify. Check for proper impedance at speaker
terminals. Also check for adequate airflow around
amplifier.
Amp shuts down while vehicle is running.
Over Voltage protection engaged. Check SICK BAY
to verify. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the
9-16 volt operating range. Have automobile
charging/electrical system inspected.
Amp only plays at low volume levels.
Short circuit protection engaged. Check SICK BAY
to verify. Check for speaker wires shorted to each
other or the vehicle chassis. Damaged speakers or
operating amplifier below minimum recommended
impedance will also cause this.
Weak bass output.
Change the phase of the LEFT channel in the PHASE
menu. If bass improves then one speaker channel is
out of phase (polarity). You can leave PHASE changed
for this channel to fix the problem or better yet;
Check speaker connections to amp and speakers to
determine which one is wrong and correct. Be sure
to set the PHASE of the LEFT channel back to original
setting after correcting wiring connections.