System Acting Up? Let’s Fix It.

READ THIS FIRST

Before you waste time chasing ghosts:

1. Check all connections. Loose grounds and half-crimped lugs kill more systems than “bad amps” ever will.

2. Verify voltage. Idle and full tilt. Hot and cold. Write it down.

3. Know your tuning. If you don’t know your box specs, you’re flying blind.

If you can’t pass those three, stop here and hit Book a Rescue.


Common Problems & Fixes

🔊 No Output or Weak Output

• Likely Cause: Bad RCA signal, gains too low, sub wired wrong, or amp not getting enough voltage.

• Quick Fix:

  1. Check RCAs with another source.

  2. Meter the sub at the terminals—matches your expected ohms?

  3. Confirm the amp is seeing >13.5 V at volume.

🔥 Amp Protects or Shuts Off on Low Notes

• Likely Cause: Impedance spike, voltage sag, or thermal protect.

• Quick Fix:

  1. Clamp the amp—see if power drops heavy on your problem note.

  2. Add airflow to amp(s).

  3. Reduce gain and bass boost; retest.

⚡ Voltage Drops Hard Under Load

• Likely Cause: Undersized wire, bad ground, not enough battery, or alt not keeping up.

• Quick Fix:

  1. Big 3 upgrade (2/0 OFC).

  2. Parallel battery bank near the amps.

  3. Reduce unnecessary draw (turn off extra lights, fans, etc.).

🎚 Clipping / Distortion

• Likely Cause: Gains too high, EQ boosting lows, or sending too much subsonic content.

• Quick Fix:

  1. Reset EQ to flat.

  2. Use a clean test tone in your passband (28–35 Hz for low-tuned walls).

  3. Adjust gains until distortion disappears on a scope or by ear.

📢 Alternator Whine / Noise

• Likely Cause: RCA ground loop, bad head unit ground, or poor cable routing.

• Quick Fix:

  1. Re-ground the head unit to chassis.

  2. Separate RCAs from power runs.

  3. Try a different set of RCAs.

💨 Weak Airflow / Low “Wind” Effect

• Likely Cause: Box tuning not optimized for your subs or vehicle cabin.

• Quick Fix:

  1. Measure and confirm net volumes and port area.

  2. Consider adjusting port length to shift tuning.

  3. Seal air leaks in the enclosure and baffle.

📉 Sudden Drop in Output After Playing Fine

• Likely Cause: Thermal fade in coils, loose connection, or tinsel leads heating up.

• Quick Fix:

  1. Let the system cool 20–30 min, retest.

  2. Inspect sub leads and terminals for discoloration or melting.

  3. Check amp for heat soak—add fans if needed.

🛠 Still Stuck?
Hit the Book a Rescue form. Include:

• Your full electrical setup.

• Sub/amp model & wiring config.

• Box specs and tuning.

• Voltage readings.

• Photos/videos of the issue.