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Kicker CXA 300.1 Troubleshooting
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 CX 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 will not light up
When the amp is powered on, the green LED will not light up.
Voltage is faulty
Use a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) to check the power terminal and ensure it reads between +12 and +16 volts. Ensure that the connections are grounded and, if it still fails to light, refer to the light replacement guide.
Green LED on, no POWER
The green LED is on, but the amp does not function.
Faulty Connections
Check all connections, then connect the device to a good speaker see if it works. Plug it in into a good power source. Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the multi meter set to measure “AC” voltage.
Red LED flickering with loud music?
When loud music is playing, the red LED flickers inconsistently.
Low Power Source
Check if the red light is on. If so, the power source is low. Check all the connections in your vehicle’s charging system. Make sure your battery and alternator are charged.
Red LED on, no output?
The red LED is on, but there is no audio output.
Over-heated amp
Amplifier if the amp is too hot the thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a multimeter. Ensure the amplifier is receiving good airflow.
Problem with power input.
If the Amplifier shuts down only while vehicle is running the voltage protection circuitry is engaged. If the voltage to the amplifier is not within the 10–16 volt operating range, have the vehicle’s charging and electrical system inspected. If the amplifier will only play at low volume levels means that the short circuit protection is engaged. Check all the components of the speaker wires and ensure they are not snagged or frayed outside the vehicle.
No or low output?
There is no or little audio output from the speaker.
Faulty Connections
Make sure the balance is set to even and ensure the connections are not frayed or damaged.
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM?
When revving, the alternator whines with the engine.
Faulty Connections
Ensure the connections are not ripped or damaged and ensure they are in their intended locations. Also ensure that the gains settings are at an applicable level.
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32 Comments
What about a fast-flashing green light with no output?
Chris Skalski - Reply
Did u ever find anything out mines doing the same
Justin madden -
My 300.1 works during cold weather, and is screwed into the back of the back seat in the trunk…..it only works now with the seath folded down. WORST BUY Installed it. I tried a new exact same amp and it just got hot with a red light. Arrrgghhhh i NEEEEEDSSS MY BASS!!
Chris Skalski - Reply
My PWR is sending voltage to my RMT. So my remote turn on lead has 12v coming from the amp which powers on anything it touches, even when the key is not in the ignition. Is there a way to fix this? Or how can I make the amp turn on only when I turn the radio on, without using a killswitch.
alex25ab - Reply
Power should be to 12+ only, REM should be connected to a12v switched power separately. Aftermarket head units should have a Blue or blue/white stripe, remote/power antenna wire. Factory Radios May have them but not likely. In the case of factory head unit radios, I go to the fuse panel and locate a fuse that only has power when key is in the on or run position and use a tapping fuse pigtail. If you have the main power wire connected to both 12+ and REM the amp is constantly powered ON.
Dave Newton -