amp shutting down

ffbombero · TweakNOOB Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 19 Location: AZ

I have an amp hooked up to my stock car stereo, and the power keeps cutting out. It seems that it does it at random times. I'm just wondering if this is a wiring problem or an amp problem. Is there any easy way to tell? The reason why I don't have an aftermarket deck is that I've got steering wheel controls I don't want to lose.

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Zero_Fresh · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 12:27 pm Post subject:

You will have to give a bit more info than that.

There are a few things that might indicate an amp problem. One being a light on the amp somewhere indicating an overheating problem. Not all amps have a light to show overheating. Another way to tell is to turn off the car and let it cool for a second. Then turn it back on and see if it starts to work again. If your problem is occuring and reoccuring this way, you may want to consider some active cooling for your amp. (Never a bad thing)

Wiring problem would be more determined by jiggling the cables. If sound cuts on and off while your are moving the cables (wires) around, that would be more indicative of a wiring issue.

Somethig else to consider is re-grounding the amp. It could be your ground is not stable or good. Changing the location of your ground to a more solid part of the vehicle may solve your problem.
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Sally · UberTweaker Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1158 Location: WA

Also, what kind of amp is it? What kind of sub is it? Does it come back on after it shuts off? If so, how long after it shuts off does it come back on?
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Yoshida · UberTweaker Joined: 24 Dec 2003 Posts: 1219

Are you sure your wire supplying power for the amp is a big enough gauge for the power of the amp?

Sally · UberTweaker Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1158 Location: WA

ffbombero · TweakNOOB Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 19 Location: AZ

The amp was new when it was installed. I had it installed by a friend of mine who does installations and went to school for it. I noticed today that the amp is off when the sub cuts out, I'm wondering if it might be the remote wire. The amp is a Majestic Axis 250 Watt. The wiring is a pretty thick gauge, none of the fuses are blown. The amp will turn back on after being off for a while. I thought it might be overheating too, but it's not following that pattern.

ffbombero · TweakNOOB Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 19 Location: AZ

Sorry, the amp is pushing a MTX Thunder 5000 sub in a custom fiberglass sealed box.

Sally · UberTweaker Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1158 Location: WA

with that small of an amp, the wire size isn't so much of a significant consideration. How long does the amp stay off for?

The remote wire would be a good thing to test. If you wish to test it, simply short the positive power connector on the AMP (from the battery) to the remote terminal. That'll make it on all of the time. Then, if it turns off while testing it like that, you will know that your remote is fine. If it stays on, you can assume it is your remote wire or signal at fault.

Also, do you notice it cutting out during particularly powerful surges of bass?
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[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 11:34 pm Post subject:

Yoshida was on to something with the too small of gauge wire for the power lead. But that would only cause a problem at high volume levels, meaning high current draw. But in this case it sounds more like an amp that is over heating. Or it maybe the case of a lower quality amp not being able to live upto what is being demanded of it.
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Sally · UberTweaker Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1158 Location: WA

For sure weaze. I didn't find much on that brand/model at first glance, so I am unsure of the genral brand quality.

I was thinking that perhaps the sub was wired at too great of a resistence for the amp to keep up with, but that is less likely with a single sub setup unless the sub is DVC and really depends upon the amp's capability.

I'd check the signal wire next I guess
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Zero_Fresh · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 3:46 pm Post subject:

Whats the wattage on those thunders?

Also, you never followed up on that ground wire.
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2old2care · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 5:10 pm Post subject: Re: amp shutting down

Sally · UberTweaker Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1158 Location: WA

Yeah, reall what 2Old is saying takes the same line as Yosh's suggestion regarding the wire size because the source power has to come DIRECTLY from the battery. Checking the ground wire is another easy place to look for a possible remedy. Perhaps the area that the amp is grounded to is not connected solidly enough. I would still DEFINITELY test the remote thoery.

Also, when the sub shuts off, have you been able to see if the LED's on the amp also turn off? Just wonderin.
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JayDubya · Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 6:09 pm Post subject:

I'd check the ground first. Make sure its making good contact on bare metal and is nice and secure. Use a self-tapping screw with a washer. Next, check the power turn on lead.

I'm willing to put most of my money on the fact that the amp just can't put up with that sub. What is the voice coil setup on that sub and what are all the ratings on the amp?
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Rocksteady · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 11:21 am Post subject:

I know I'm coming in on this late, but was curious if the problem has been resolved?

I waited to see if the actual location of the amp was going to be mentioned, or if it was near a different heat source, such as a vent or engine... Or perhaps if the heat sink was blocked by carpet or just plain not ventilated properly? I've seen it happen with stage equipment, so was just wondering... My hairdryer does it too, sometimes.. ...

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ToggleHead · TWEAKGURU Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 4360 Location: Jersey

thinking same thing.... heat is a big issue.
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