Troubleshooting - Kicker KEY200.4 Manuel D'utilisation

If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check the obvious things first such as blown
fuses, poor or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain
controls, etc. There are Power (PWR) & Protection (PRT) LEDs on the side panel of your
KICKER KEY series amplifier. Depending on the state of the amplifier and the vehicle's charging
system, the LEDs will glow either green or red. When the green LED is lit, this indicates the
amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists.
Green LED off, no output? With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following: Π+12 volt
power terminal (should read +12V to +16V)  Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to
+16V) Ž Check for reversed power and ground connections  Ground terminal, for proper
conductivity.
Green LED on, no output? Check the following: Œ RCA connections  Test speaker
outputs with a "known" good speaker. Ž Substitute source unit with a "known" good source
unit.  Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the VOM meter set to
measure "AC" voltage.
Red (PRT) LED flickering with loud music? The red (PRT) LED indicates low battery
voltage. Check all the connections in your vehicle's charging system. It may be necessary to
replace or charge your vehicle's battery or replace your vehicle's alternator.
Red (PRT) LED on, no output? ΠAmplifier is very hot = thermal protection is engaged.
Test for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams in
this manual for minimum recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions).
Also check for adequate airflow around the amplifier.  Amplifier shuts down only while vehicle
is running = voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the
6–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle's charging and electrical system inspected.
Ž Amplifier will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection is engaged. Check for
speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged speakers
or speaker(s) operating below the minimum recommended impedance.
LIMITER LED on? ΠInput signal overdrive or gain set too high: Reduce the gain or the
strength of the input signal.  Thermal protection engaged due to heat sink temperature.
Keep amplifier in climate controlled cabin, away from direct sunlight, or in a better ventilated
area. Ž Low input voltage (+12V line): Check your power supply wires and battery voltage.
 Compression switch is on: If not desired, turn the compression switch off.
No or low output? Œ Check the balance and fader controls on source unit.  Check the
RCA (or speaker input) and speaker output connections. Ž If using a Low-Level signal, make
sure Radio Detect is OFF.  Check the volume level on your source unit, to include the volume
level of any connected phones or MP3 players.
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine's RPM? ΠCheck for damaged RCA
(or speaker input) cable  Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable Ž Check the
source unit for proper grounding  Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are set
too high.
CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper
cables are correct. Improper connections can result in blown amplifier fuses as well as the
failure of other critical systems in the vehicle.
If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product,
see the Authorized KICKER Dealer where you made your purchase. For more advice on
installation, click on the SUPPORT tab on the KICKER homepage, www.KICKER.com.
Choose the TECHNICAL SUPPORT tab, choose the subject you are interested in, and then
download or view the corresponding information. Please E-mail support@KICKER.com or call
Technical Services (405) 624-8583 for unanswered or specific questions.
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Troubleshooting

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