If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check the obvious things first such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain controls, etc. There are Power (PWR) & Protection (PRT) LEDs on the side panel of your Kicker CX series amplifier. Depending on the state of the amplifier and the vehicle’s charging system, the LEDs will glow either green or red. When the green LED is lit, this indicates the amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists.
Student-Contributed Wiki
An awesome team of students from our education program made this wiki.
When the amp is powered on, the green LED will not light up.
Use a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) to check the power terminal and ensure it reads between +12 and +16 volts. Ensure that the connections are grounded and, if it still fails to light, refer to the light replacement guide.
The green LED is on, but the amp does not function.
Check all connections, then connect the device to a good speaker see if it works. Plug it in into a good power source. Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the multi meter set to measure “AC” voltage.
When loud music is playing, the red LED flickers inconsistently.
Check if the red light is on. If so, the power source is low. Check all the connections in your vehicle’s charging system. Make sure your battery and alternator are charged.
The red LED is on, but there is no audio output.
Amplifier if the amp is too hot the thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a multimeter. Ensure the amplifier is receiving good airflow.
If the Amplifier shuts down only while vehicle is running the voltage protection circuitry is engaged. If the voltage to the amplifier is not within the 10–16 volt operating range, have the vehicle’s charging and electrical system inspected. If the amplifier will only play at low volume levels means that the short circuit protection is engaged. Check all the components of the speaker wires and ensure they are not snagged or frayed outside the vehicle.
There is no or little audio output from the speaker.
Make sure the balance is set to even and ensure the connections are not frayed or damaged.
When revving, the alternator whines with the engine.
Ensure the connections are not ripped or damaged and ensure they are in their intended locations. Also ensure that the gains settings are at an applicable level.
