Specifications
TROUBLESHOOTING A SYSTEM
9
The key to finding the problem in a misbehaving sound system is to isolate parts of that system in a logical fashionto track down the fault.
Description of the PROTECT system built into allAutotek amplifiers
Amplifier heatsink overheating
Low output power
Fuses blowing
System does not turn on
The diagnostic system will shut down the amplifier, until reset by turning the head unit off, and back on. This state of affairs will be indicated by the front panel PROTECT
LED lighting up under the following conditions:
1 -Asort circuit on the loudspeaker leads.
2 -An internal amplifierfault that causes a DC offseton the loudspeaker output.
Should the amplifier go into protect mode, simply disconnectall RCAand speaker leads, whilekeeping +12 volt, power ground and remote leads connected.
1. Now turn the amplifier back on, and ifthe diagnostic LED lights, the amplifier has an internal fault.
2. If not, plug the RCAcables back, and reset the amplifier. If itgoes into diagnostic now,the fault liesin the input, either with bad cables or source unit.
3. If the amplifier seems fine with RCA cables plugged in, connect the speakers, one at a time, and if one of the speakers or its wiring is faulty, it will activate the diagnostic
system.
The amplifiers will shut down when the heatsink temperaturereaches 80 degrees centigrade, and turn back on once theunit has cooled down below that point.
1 - Inadequate cooling - relocate or remount toprovide better natural airflow over the fins.
2 - Driving high power levels into low impedances - back off on the volume control, and/or make sure you are not loading the amplifier with less than the recommended
loudspeaker impedance.
1 - Check that level controls have been setup properly.
2 - Make sure that the battery voltage, asmeasured at the amplifier’s +12 volt and ground terminals, is 11 volts or more.
3 - Check all +12 volt and ground connections.
1 -The use of loudspeaker impedances belowthe recommended minimums will draw more current - check.
2 -Ashort on the main +12 volt cable from the battery to the vehicle chassis will cause the main fuse to blow.
3 - If an amplifier fuse blows continually, with only +12 volt, ground and remote leads connected, the amplifier may be faulty.
1 - Check all fuses.
2 - Check all connections.
3 - Measure the +12 volt and remote turn on voltages at the amplifier terminals. If these are non existent or low, take voltage measurements at fuse holders, distribution
blocks, the head unit’s +12 volt and remoteleads to localize the problem.
Causes of overheating:
Noise problems
Hiss, or white noise
Electrical interference
System noise can be divided into two categories, hiss,and electrical interference.
1 - High levels of white noise usually occurs when amplifier level controls are turned up too high - readjust according to the procedures in section
2 -Another major problemthat can cause excessive hiss, is a noisy head unit- unplug the amplifier input RCAcables, and ifthe hiss level reduces, the source unit is at fault.
The inside of an automobile is a very hostile electrical environment.The multitude of electrical systems, such as the ignition system, alternator, fuel pumps, air conditioners,
to mention just a few, create radiated electrical fields, as well as noise on the +12 volt supply and ground. Remember to isolate the problem - first unplug amplifier input RCA
cables, if the noise is still present, check thespeaker leads, if not, plug the RCA’s back, and investigate the source driving theamplifier, one component at a time.
1 -This problem could be caused byradiation pickup of RCAcables too nearto a fuel pump or a distributor,for instance, - relocate cables.
2 - Check that the head unit ground isconnected straight to the vehicle chassis, and does not usefactory wiring for ground.
3 -Tryto supply thehead unit with a clean +12 volt supply directly fromthe battery +, instead of using a supply from thein dash wiring/fusebox.
This type of noise can be more difficultto pinpoint, but is usually caused by some kind ofinstability, causing oscillations inthe system.
1 - Check all connections, especially for good grounds.
2 - Make sure that no speaker leads areshorting to exposed metal on the vehicle chassis.
3 -RCAcables are notorious for their problematic nature, so check that these are good, in particular the shield connections.
”Setting up systems after
installation for best performance”
Aticking or whine that changes with engine RPM:
Aconstant whine:
Wehavealsoprovidedseveralvideosthatwillhelpyouwithyourbattery,
alternatorandevenBig3upgradesatwww.youtube.com/maxxsonicsusainc.