AMP Protection light... very weird

[Jerma]

I have tried nearly every combination under the sun to try and diagnose this problem with no avail.

Currently I have 2 amps (not both installed simultaneously) I know both work, because I have gotten spurts of how they SHOULD sound at times.

I am running a single 12" 4ohm DVC sub.

Both amps technically go to 2ohm stable from one channel, and when bridged they are 4 ohm stable.

I have also tested the ground, Battery+, and remote with a multimeter, and gotten 12+V everytime.

The sub has produced sound how its supposed to for a short duration before the amp goes into protection mode.

I have tried wiring the system so that i get a mono bridged output from the amp, and wired the sub in series (8ohm) and the light will not come on, but no sound comes out.

I have wired the sub properly, and occasionally proper output will occur but for no longer than 5 seconds before the protection light comes on.

I have also tried wiring the sub in parallel (2ohms) and just running it from one channel, (amp is supposedly 2ohm stable) it produces sounds and moderate movement, but the amp terminals start smoking (melting plastic). BUT no protection light, no matter how long the duration.

Both amps react the exact same way, so that leads me to believe there's nothing wrong with the amps, but i don't know...

HALP. How can i test the sub or the HU to identify the problem?

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[disturbedfuel15 10+ year member]

If you tried both amplifiers with the same wiring, the chances of both amps being shot is slim to none. What amplifiers are you using, and which one "runs" the sub at 2 ohms? What subwoofer are you using? Here are my thoughts. The amp does not go into protection mode when wired to 8 ohms, but at 2 ohms, it does. This little bit of information contains the problem and the answer! The amplifier is being overburdened. Either your electrical system cannot handle it, or the amplifier itself cannot handle it. The chain of the problem goes like this (logically)- wiring all the way through (always first), car's electrical system, amplifier, speaker(s). Bada boom bada bing.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Sounds like to me that the amplifier/amplifiers are only rated at 4ohms mono/bridged, and no lower, due to the fact that 8ohms wasnt an issue, and 4ohms was not as well, yet, going down to 2ohms,not stable.Its for certain is not an issue with the sub, as it was tested with both amps individualy, and no issues with the sub working throughout the testing process, yet, testing the amplifiers at the 2ohm margin, indicates to me going into protect,that neither amplifier is stable at that ohm value.Best keep it at 4ohms, before you fry both the amp, and /or the subwoofer..IMO:nono:

 

[Moble Enclosurs 10+ year member]

I have a question.....will the amp(s) go into protect on low voltage? Or this this occurring only when you turn it up at a decent level? And you said no output at 8ohms wiring, correct? It seems true that it is definitely only 2 ohm stable(stereo), but with it not having output at 8 ohms, you might have already cause damage to the amplifier during the testing of this issue.