Need help from Audio Experts

**FJoel** · 09-13-2007, 10:39 PM

Okay, this is not FJ related, but I need some help please. We bought my sister a sub and box plus wiring for her civic for her birthday today.

It isn't working...

I have installed a few subs before, so I think I've done everything right

Here are the connections on the amp:

1. Remote: Supplies 12V to Amp when headunit is on as a switch (had no wiring schematic so I tested wires with my multimeter, the red on on her harness was 0 when headunit was off and 12V when unit was on)

2. 12V: Powers amp. Fusible link installed, wired to battery with some thick wire.

3. Ground: Duh. Grounded to brake light assembly M5 threaded stud.

4. To Sub connections: My amp is a 2 channel with a bridged switch. Switched to bridged and used bridged + and - connections.

5. Sub outs (RCA style audio plug): From sub out on deck to audio in on amp.

The amp is getting power, and it worked fine in my pickup, and seems fine now, but no bass! The power light comes on when the deck is turned on, but still nothing. I checked everything a few times and all seems to be correct. Seems there is nothing getting to amp as a signal. All the connections are fine, confirmed with my multimeter. I think the problem is the head unit. It says on it, since she lost the documentation "Selectable Sub out." This is a newer Xplod deck. Anyone know where I can find out if the deck can turn the sub outs on? What kind of readings should I get from the RCA cables? Seem to be nothing coming out.

Please help! Thanks

**FJoel** · 09-13-2007, 10:39 PM

Tried another amp today as well. Same deal. Amps are getting power, but seemingly no signal. I wish she had kept the docs!

AceTechno · 09-13-2007, 10:47 PM

If you are looking for voltage on the RCA cable you will not find it with a multimeter. You will only find a very small amount of voltage with a video feed. Joel do this. Disconnect the RCA at the head unit. Then turn on the system. grab the rca cables and touch your finger to the center pin only and not the shield side or outer ring. You should get a buzz or a rumbel out of the sub amp and speaker. If you get this then all the wiring is good as is the speaker. The next problem is in the head unit. Most likely a setting feature not turned on. This is how I test home Stereo equipment when out in the field, if I suspect a amp or speaker problem. This is also a good way of testing the RCA cable as well. Do it to both cables, if you are running stereo to the amp. This is quick and tell you where the problem is. Make sure the volume on the sub amp is up or you may not hear anything. Don't worry you will not hurt anything.

**FJoel** · 09-13-2007, 11:42 PM

Quote:

AceTechno previously said:

If you are looking for voltage on the RCA cable you will not find it with a multimeter. You will only find a very small amount of voltage with a video feed. Joel do this. Disconnect the RCA at the head unit. Then turn on the system. grab the rca cables and touch your finger to the center pin only and not the shield side or outer ring. You should get a buzz or a rumbel out of the sub amp and speaker. If you get this then all the wiring is good as is the speaker. The next problem is in the head unit. Most likely a setting feature not turned on. This is how I test home Stereo equipment when out in the field, if I suspect a amp or speaker problem. This is also a good way of testing the RCA cable as well. Do it to both cables, if you are running stereo to the amp. This is quick and tell you where the problem is. Make sure the volume on the sub amp is up or you may not hear anything. Don't worry you will not hurt anything.

Thanks Larry. I will give that a try tomorrow. I am hoping it will work as you described it. The head unit is less than a year old (she got that for christmas) so I think it just needs to have the sub outs enabled... but how? The book would make this so much easier. When I see my sister tomorrow I am going to get her model number and see if I can find the manual online.

Thanks again.