33
SX .4 Series Amplifiers
Help
Alternator nnoise
(whining sound that varies with engine RPM):
¬Check for damaged RCA cables.
¬Check routing of RCA cable.
¬Check source unit for good ground.
¬Check GAIN RANGE in SYSTEM menu, turn down if set too
high.
¬Check GAIN in MAIN MENU, turn down if set too high.
CAUTION: When jump-starting the vehicle, be sure
that connections made with jumper cables are cor-
rect. Improper connections (+ to - & - to +) will
result in blown amplifier fuses as well as failure to
other systems in the vehicle.
If you have more questions about the installation and oper-
ation 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
32
SX .4 Series Amplifiers
Help
Troubleshooting
If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check obvi-
ous 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 indi-
cates 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 illumi-
nates the model badge follows the same function as the
green LED.
Green LLED ooff, nno ooutput:
¬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 LLED oon, nno ooutput:
¬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 SSymptoms:
;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.
