
8
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 is a
Protection (PRT) LED on the side panel of your Kicker KXMA series amplifier. Depending on the state of
the amplifier and the vehicle’s charging system, the LED will either glow red or be off.
Red (PRT) LED flickering with loud music? The red (PRT) LED indicates low battery voltage. Check
all the connections in your vehicle’s charging system. It may be necessary to replace or charge your
vehicle’s battery or replace your vehicle’s alternator.
Red (PRT) LED on, no output? Amplifier is very hot = thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper
impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams in this manual for minimum
recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airflow
around the amplifier. Amplifier shuts down only while vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is
engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 10–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging
and electrical system inspected. Amplifier will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection
is engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged
speakers or speaker(s) operating below the minimum recommended impedance.
No or low output? Check the balance control on source unit Check the RCA (or speaker input)
and speaker output connections.
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM? Check for damaged RCA (or speaker
input) cable Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable Check the source unit for proper
grounding Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are set too high.
Ground Noise? KICKER amplifiers are engineered to be fully compatible with all manufacturers’ head
units. Some head units may require additional grounding to prevent noise from entering the audio signal. If
you are experiencing this problem with your head unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the RCA
outputs on the head unit to the chassis will remedy this issue.
CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are
correct. Improper connections can result in blown amplifier fuses as well as the failure of other critical
systems in the vehicle.
If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product, see the
Authorized KICKER Dealer where you made your purchase. For more advice on installation, click on the
SUPPORT tab on the KICKER homepage, www.kicker.com. Choose the TECHNICAL SUPPORT tab,
choose the subject you are interested in, and then download or view the corresponding information.
Please E-mail support@kicker.com or call Technical Services (405) 624-8583 for unanswered or specific
questions.
KICKER will now provide a three-year warranty with all KXMA-Series
Amplifier purchases paired with a qualifying KICKER Installation Kit* .
This extends the standard warranty by an additional year. Amplifier and Kit must be
purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer.
KICKER KXMA amplifier success is currently at an unheard-of rate, making the extended
warranty program even more beneficial to you.
Using poor-quality, under-spec wiring kits will impede KXMA amplifier performance.
A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of KXMA
amplifiers.
The new extended warranty applies only to KICKER amplifiers and accessories sold to consumers by Authorized
KICKER Dealers in the United States of America or its possessions. It also only applies to the original purchaser of
KICKER amplifiers and accessories. One warranty extension per amplifier is allowed regardless of the number of amplifier
installation kits purchased. This program does not apply to “B”-stock product or factory-refurbished product.
This offer is for a limited time, so see your local Authorized KICKER Dealer soon for details.
*U.S.A. Only | EE.UU. solamente | Nur USA | Les USA Seulement
2021 KXMA 8-CH Amp Rev E.indd 82021 KXMA 8-CH Amp Rev E.indd 8 4/6/2022 4:37:49 PM4/6/2022 4:37:49 PM