Amp Power Problems

**LBakker** · 07-12-2008, 03:58 PM

Hi all this is my first post and i have a question about my amplifier. I have a 4 channel Pyle PLA4180. With the car off i read 12v across the ground and the batter plugged into my amp. When i start the car or turn the radio on the voltage drops down to 7v and the protection light goes on on the amp. I have heard from my speakers but only for about 2 seconds when i first turned on the radio. I have tried running the remote wire directly to the 12v source and that only gives me 8v. Does anyone know what i am doing wrong or know away to fix this problem?

**pancit175** · 07-16-2008, 07:42 PM

Bad wiring or bad amp. There may be unwanted resistance in the wiring you are using, possibly at the fuse holder or the fuse itself giving you that resistance. Check your gounds, make sure you have a good ground and the paint is removed at your grounding location. I always recommend the use of star washers because it bites into the metal and should be located between the ground's ring terminal and the chasis, some people say that it belongs between the screw and the ring terminal.

And for future notice, this site is dedicated to those people that wish to learn and share their thoughts about integrating a computer system into their car and NOT what would be considered basic car audio. Although some members on here may use conventional aftermarket automotive/audio parts, it my be used in unconventional means. If you wish to learn more about the subject, welcome. Otherwise please take your basic questions to sites and forums that are dedicated to standard car audio.

**Grey** · 07-16-2008, 08:47 PM

I agree with Pancit's first statement, to eliminate the amp from the equation run your power cable directly to the +12v input on the amp, and ground the amp somewhere close (within 18"). Next, create a short jumper wire from the remote to the same 12v input. If possible, do all this close to your battery to eliminate any cable flaws in the run. Here is what I mean:

If the amp doesn't go into protect mode like this then it is fine and the flaw is in the cable runs... or the cables themselves. what gauge wire are you using?

As for his second statement, I couldn't disagree more. The question is in the proper topic, to the point, and genuine. This is exactly what this forum is here for. I don't care if you are planning (or have) a PC in your car or not.

Grey

**Dougw133** · 07-21-2008, 10:30 AM

Sounds stupid but I had a similar problem having to do with a Contact from a speaker + terminal touching the body. Clipped the amp into protect and dropped voltage in and out. Unlikely but one more thing to consider

**osva** · 08-22-2008, 11:55 PM

I have the same problem..
When I connect the jump the remote with the 12v it drops to 8v when I turn on the car.
I have check the cable and everything seems fine.

**FusionFanatic** · 08-24-2008, 11:16 PM

as already mentioned; it sounds like a wiring problem. if the voltage is dropping that much, then there is too much resistance in the wiring.

the problem could be the power or ground wires themselves (either damaged or too thin) or the problem could be in the connections (ground connector, battery terminal connector, fuse holder, etc).

1. what gauge power/ground wires are you using?
2. what is the fuse rating of the amplifier's built in fuse(s)?
3. where did you make your ground connection?
4. did you scrape the paint off of the area that your ground terminal will contact?
5. did you connect the power wire directly to the car battery?
6. did you clean off any corrosion, etc from the battery terminal?

**Woofnstuff** · 08-24-2008, 11:46 PM

when you say 12v source you mean directly connected to the car battery?
OR you found a wire somewhere that supplies 12V.

the 12V should be connected directly to your battery with a fuse no more the 30cm from the battery. taking 12v from anywhere else is just asking for trouble.

if you have done the above, check all speaker wires visually, if the ends look sound check with a multimeter (unplug them from the amp from the amp) and with a speaker connected should read 4 or 8 ohms (depending on the speaker) also check them against the car earth to see if you have a short or cut wire.

also have you tested your setup with no input audio cables plugged in?