kicker amp/tower speakers cutting in and out

[c_stein09]

This past weekend my two rev 8 tower speakers powered by kicker kx 400.4 amp started popping and would cut in and out. I checked the amp and it would flash on for a few seconds before turning off. Not clear if it was going into protect mode but I think it was. Ive had my current amp/speaker set up for several months without any issues with overheating or cutting out. Gain was adjusted following kicker recommendation. I checked all the connections and there were no loose wires from speakers, power, or ground. Speakers are relatively new and I have no reason to suspect any problems. My other 400.4 amp that is connected to the same power and ground had no issues and continued to work fine with boat speakers and subs. I tried to play it safe and disconnected the amp while I was out of the water for the rest of the day. Does anyone have any advice for me as I start my trouble shooting process tonight?

[philwsailz]

This past weekend my two rev 8 tower speakers powered by kicker kx 400.4 amp started popping and would cut in and out. I checked the amp and it would flash on for a few seconds before turning off. Not clear if it was going into protect mode but I think it was. Ive had my current amp/speaker set up for several months without any issues with overheating or cutting out. Gain was adjusted following kicker recommendation. I checked all the connections and there were no loose wires from speakers, power, or ground. Speakers are relatively new and I have no reason to suspect any problems. My other 400.4 amp that is connected to the same power and ground had no issues and continued to work fine with boat speakers and subs. I tried to play it safe and disconnected the amp while I was out of the water for the rest of the day. Does anyone have any advice for me as I start my trouble shooting process tonight?

An initial check would be to get a volt meter and check the power going into the amp, right at the amp. A low battery and/or charging system would be a culprit if it has been acting fine for several months.

EDIT: If your other amp was running fine, voltage should not be a problem. If it were me I would disconnect the Rev 8s and see if the amp stays on then. If so, put the Rev 8s on the other amp and see if the problem moves to the other amp. This series of tests will hopefully point to whether the problem is with the amp or after it.

Phil
Kicker

[c_stein09]

Thanks for the response phil! Im guessing voltage should be 12+ volts. Any advice for volt meter settings and expected readings for other inputs/outputs of the amp?

[philwsailz]

Thanks for the response phil! Im guessing voltage should be 12+ volts. Any advice for volt meter settings and expected readings for other inputs/outputs of the amp?

I edited my other post. Sorry.... Go back and read that one and i should give you a start towards a diagnosis. The tests I suggest should maybe help pinpoint whether the issue is in the amp or after it.

[MLA]

A voltage check on the amp while the issue is happening, would be great info. And dont leave off the numbers after the dot. Those tenths and hundreds count. Is the amp setup correctly to run bridged 2-chnl mode? This can effect the proper gain level. Also cross-over settings, they impact the load on the amp.

[Branden967]

A quick suggestion, I had those sample amps and mine were overheating and tripping off. Someone threw a blanket in there on them and they tripped off. There’s some type of over heat protection. Just a thought.