Advertisement
Diagnostics & Trouble Shooting
The key to finding the problem in a troubled sound system is to isolate parts of that
system in a logical fashion to track down the fault and correct the issue.
The diagnostic system will not shut down the crossover or the amplifier(s), although
the amplifier(s) own protection circuitry may shut the amplifier(s) down should a
fault status occur. At which time you will need to consult the owners manual for that
particular amplifier.
Low Output
Power
Fuses
Blowing
Fuses
Blowing
Hiss, or
White Noise
Electrical
Interference
Ticking or
Whine that
changes
with engine
RPM
Constant
Whine
1) Check that level controls have been set up properly
2) Make sure that the battery voltage, as measured at the
amplifier(s) and crossover +12 volt and ground terminals,
is 11volts or more.
3)Check all +12 volt and ground connections.
1) Insure that the voltage to the unit does not exceed 15 volts.
2) A short on the main +12 volt cable from the battery to the vehicle
chassis will cause the main fuse to blow.
3) If the CRXR is blowing fuses continually with only +12 volt,
ground and remote leads connected, the unit may be faulty.
1) Check all fuses.
2) Check all connections.
3) Measure the +12 volt and remote turn on voltages at the
amplifier(s) and crossover terminals. If these are non existent or
low, take voltage measurements at fuse holders, distribution
blocks, the head unit's +12 volt and remote leads to localize
the problem.
1) High levels of white noise usually occur when level controls are
turned up too high – reduce the levels until the noise is no
longer present.
2) Another problem that can cause excessive hiss, is a noisy
head unit – unplug the crossover input RCA's, and if the hiss level
reduces, the source unit is at fault.
The inside of an automobile is a very hostile electrical environment.
The multitude of electrical systems, such as the ignition system,
alternator, fuel pumps, air conditioners, to mention just a few, create
radiated electrical fields, as well as noise on the +12 volt supply and
ground. To try and eliminate this noise, run a wire from the radio
ground wire to the ground input on the crossover.
1) This problem could be caused by radiation pickup of RCA cables
that are too close to a fuel pump or a distributor.
2) Check that the head unit ground is connected straight to the
vehicle chassis, and does not use factory wiring for ground.
3) Try to supply the head unit with a clean +12 volt supply directly
from the battery +, instead of using a supply from the in dash
wiring/fusebox.
This type of noise can be more difficult to pinpoint, but is usually
caused by some kind of instability, causing oscillations in the
system.
1) Check all connection, especially for good grounds.
2) Make sure that no speaker leads are shorting to exposed metal
on the vehicle chassis.
3) RCA cable are notorious for their problematic nature, so check
that these are good, in particular the shield connections.
Advertisement
