Kicker Amp Problem - KXM400.4

[jezzaaa]

Hi all...Happy New Year!

My amplifier has suddenly started doing a weird thing. I've ruled out speakers/shorting wires/head unit.

Essentially, I switch it on and it causes the cones in all the speakers to jump right out and then in again in a rhythmic pattern like a heartbeat. Any ideas?

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Does it do it with RCAs unplugged?

If not, unplug one set of speakers at a time to see if it stops.

Then see if it is getting a solid 12v connection at battery and terminals, as well as see if remote 12v is constant.

 

[jezzaaa]

Hi Adrian,

Thanks for the reply. It does do it regardless of the state of the RCAs. I think your second suggestion is the correct one. The previous owner must have had the amp installed at one of the dodgy half-arsed dealers in Dubai (I live in Abu Dhabi). And having now traced the power and earth cables, the nice thick ones that are showing at the amp are spliced into the normal head unit power and earth wires! I'm amazed that the amp worked for as long as it did! I shall run new dedicated 8 Gauge wires with a proper fuse direct to the battery and try again!

If I may ask a school-boy question...is there a max length that the earth cable/power cables should be? The reason I ask is that the amp is installed in the helm cabinet, but the batteries are in the rear compartment on the opposite side. So the cables will be around 12 ft long each. Is that a problem?

Thanks,
J.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

No problem with length. I would probably go with 4 gauge to future proof your self though.

That is a major issues and I do have concerns the amp was damaged. Fingers crossed it all works out for you.

 

[jezzaaa]

Hope so...thanks so much Adrian...HNY to you and yours I'll update what happens...