Protection Circuit; Troubleshooting - Hifonics ZEUS EVOLUTION User Manual

PROTECTION CIRCUIT

The POWER/PROTECT LED (Fig. 1,1) lights up green, if the amplifier is in operation.
The POWER/PROTECT LED (Fig. 1,1) lights up red, when the amplifier is overheated, or a short circuit occurs
respective a too low impedance load is connected to the speaker outputs. If this events, the internal built-in
protection circuit shuts down the amplifier automatically. The amplifier should work again properly after you
have solved the problems.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you are having problems after installation follow the Troubleshooting procedures below.
Procedure 1:
Check Amplifier for proper connections.
Verify that the POWER/PROTECT LED lights up green. If this is the case, skip to Step 3, if not continue.
1. Check in-line fuse on battery positive cable. Replace if necessary.
2. Check fuse(s) on amplifier. Replace if necessary.
3. Verify that Ground connection is connected to clean metal on the vehicle's chassis. Repair/replace if necessary.
4. Verify there is 9 to 16 Volts present at the positive battery and remote turn-on cable. Verify quality connections for both cables at
amplifier, stereo, and battery/fuse holder. Repair/replace if necessary.
Procedure 2:
POWER/PROTECT LED lights up red.
1. If the LED lights up red, this is a sign of a possible short in the speaker connections. Check for proper speaker connections
and use an Ω meter to check for possible shorts in the speaker wiring. Too low speaker impedance may also cause the LED to
light red. This can also be a sign of driving the amplifier at very high power gains without adequate airflow around the amplifier. Shut
off the system and allow amplifier to cool. Check that the vehicle charging system is maintaining proper voltage. If the previous items
do not solve the problem, a fault may be in the amplifier.
Procedure 3:
Check Amplifier for audio output.
1. Verify good RCA input connections at stereo and amplifier. Check entire length of cables for kinks, splices, etc.
Test RCA inputs for AC volts with stereo on. Repair/replace if necessary.
Procedure 4:
Check Amplifier for a popping noise while turning on.
1. Disconnect input signal to amplifier and turn amplifier on and off.
2. If the noise is eliminated, connect the remote lead of amplifier to source unit with a delay turn-on module.
Procedure 5:
Check Amplifier if you experience excess Engine Noise.
1. Route all signal carrying wires (RCA, speaker cables) away from power and ground wires.
OR
2. Bypass any and all electrical components between the head unit and the amplifier(s). Connect stereo
directly to input of amplifier. If noise goes away the unit being bypassed is the cause of the noise.
OR
3. Remove existing ground wires for all electrical components. Reground wires to different locations.
Verify that grounding location is clean, shiny metal free of paint, rust etc.
OR
4. Add secondary ground cable from negative battery terminal to the chassis metal or engine block of vehicle.
OR
5. Have alternator and battery load tested by your mechanic. Verify good working order of vehicle electrical system including distributor,
spark plugs, spark plug wires, voltage regulator etc.
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