Wiring, Stereo & Electronics Audio Components | Radars | Alarms - and things that spark when they shouldn't

Amp turn-on delay, any ideas?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 5, 2008 | 05:38 PM
  #1  
kevinm2112's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
Default Amp turn-on delay, any ideas?

I recently installed a complete stereo system in my 99 TA and it worked great for a few weeks, but lately it is giving me trouble. Let me start by describing my components, and then I will describe the problem. I have a pioneer deck, MB Quart components, a JL 450/4 amp for the MB's, and a JL 500/1 powering a 10" sub in a sub-thump stealth box. When you first turn on the car, it takes about 5 seconds for the sub amp to turn on, and once on, if the volume on the radio goes below about level 10, the sub amp turns off and won't come back on until the volume goes above about 10. It works perfectly other than this, anyone have any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2008 | 05:52 PM
  #2  
ultraz's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
Default

how is the amplifier hooked up? I assume rcas are directly connected with the Headunit, remote input on the amp is hooked to the remote output of the headunit?

The problem you have would be more common when an amp has a SMART engage system, which senses when RCA's recieve voltage signal. In this system, the remote wire would not be used with the amplifier.

OTHERwise, if it is hooked up as in EX 1, it would point to 2 possible problems. First would the radio. If your nonfading preouts are toast or on their way out, your radio is not sending any signal at the lower volume. Problem 2 would be an internal problem with the amplifier.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2008 | 06:31 PM
  #3  
kevinm2112's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
Default

Yes, RCA's directly to the amp, and amp turn on from deck to amp. What confuses me is that it worked perfectly for a few weeks. It is kinda frustrating after spending so much time and money on what I thought was a good install!
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2008 | 07:07 PM
  #4  
ROCNDAV's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (100)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 2
From: Pasadena, CA
Default

Originally Posted by kevinm2112
I recently installed a complete stereo system in my 99 TA and it worked great for a few weeks, but lately it is giving me trouble. Let me start by describing my components, and then I will describe the problem. I have a pioneer deck, MB Quart components, a JL 450/4 amp for the MB's, and a JL 500/1 powering a 10" sub in a sub-thump stealth box. When you first turn on the car, it takes about 5 seconds for the sub amp to turn on, and once on, if the volume on the radio goes below about level 10, the sub amp turns off and won't come back on until the volume goes above about 10. It works perfectly other than this, anyone have any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
if you can make it happen all the time by lowering the volume to below 10, try measuring the voltage at the remote turn on terminal/wire. it could be possible that the head unit is dropping the voltage.

If the voltage does drop at that terminal when this happens, try disconnecting one amp at a time and lower the volume to see if it happens with only one amplifier hooked up. If it doesnt, you may need a relay in between the head unit and amplifier.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:16 AM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE