subs are not getting the correct power from the amp, help appreciated.

[michaelqlin]

first thread, if it is in the wrong section or if there are any other problems with what i say or include in it, sorry in advance.

heres my problem, i posted it on yahoo answers and didnt get responses that helped me out too much. i asked the question twice, the second one is a follow up question form the first one. it is important to read both because they are related. all help appreciated, here are the links.

1st time i asked

i wired my 4 ohm subs at 1 ohm and then series to the amp

img715.imageshack (dot) us/img715/5363/wiringdiagram (dot) jpg

subs are alpine swr 1042d

amp cerwin vega stealth 1200.1

how can i use a multimeter to check all the connection spots to see if everything is right. my amp is getting power so thats not the problem. the subs play very softly, i can feel their vibration but its next to nothing. if there is any other easy fix for this, mentioning it will be appreciated. all connections seem to be fine inside the enclosure and from the enclosure to the amp. im just not sure what option to set the multimeter to and how to test everything correctly. what should it read on the multimeter if it is fine or not fine...

this is a reply i got from a member

Set your multimeter to check resistance (It may read "ohms" or have the Omega symbol Ω ) and check your total resistance at the amp. It should fall slightly below 1 ohm (DC resistance is lower than impedance).

If it doesn't, double check the resistance at each terminal of the box. It should fall slightly below 2 ohms. If not something isn't wired right. At least I hope that's all it is. It's either that or a voice coil is shot.

2nd time i asked

i bought the subs used but they were in perfect working order because i used them with my old amp and they were wired differently i dont know how...but i rewired everything to this new diagram. i checked the ohm in the terminal cups and they are both below 2 ohms and above 1 ohm.

where on the amp do i put the multimeter too?

and if it reads too high how would i fix that?

and do i check the amp while the subs are connected to it or disconnect before checking the amp?

and for the subs, even though it reads correctly on the multimeter at the terminal cups, can something still be wired wrong?

if you guys know of any easy fixes for this that would be awesome, if you need any additional details please ask. thanks

Click to read more...

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

well none of the links work so we cant see the pics.also it sounds like the gains may be turned all the way down ,that would be my first starting point.if not the case ,then unhook the wires from the box to the amp ,then use a small battery connect the + wire from the box to the + of the battery ,then the same with the - wire and battery ,see if the sub moves in or out .if in they are wired wrong ,if out then correct .then start by checking power ground and remote wires for continuity and voltage .if all checks out ,then try connecting a headphones to rca jack directly into the amps inputs from an ipod ,see if you get sound .if it works then maybe a bad rca or adjustment on the deck .also check deck adjustments for the sub level.

 

[michaelqlin]

hey well i did the battery test you told me to do and the subs came outward, which is a good thing. but the left sub does nothing, only the right sub works, any ideas on what could cause this?

well none of the links work so we cant see the pics.also it sounds like the gains may be turned all the way down ,that would be my first starting point.if not the case ,then unhook the wires from the box to the amp ,then use a small battery connect the + wire from the box to the + of the battery ,then the same with the - wire and battery ,see if the sub moves in or out .if in they are wired wrong ,if out then correct .then start by checking power ground and remote wires for continuity and voltage .if all checks out ,then try connecting a headphones to rca jack directly into the amps inputs from an ipod ,see if you get sound .if it works then maybe a bad rca or adjustment on the deck .also check deck adjustments for the sub level.

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

hey well i did the battery test you told me to do and the subs came outward, which is a good thing. but the left sub does nothing, only the right sub works, any ideas on what could cause this?

yea , either the wires are not connected to or on the sub or the sub is bad ,you need to pull the sub out of the box and check it

 

[michaelqlin]

hey really appreciate your help, just wondering, if all my wires are connected, is there a way that it still wouldnt work, such as the terminal cup is bad, and if it is, how would i go about checking that.

yea , either the wires are not connected to or on the sub or the sub is bad ,you need to pull the sub out of the box and check it

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

hey really appreciate your help, just wondering, if all my wires are connected, is there a way that it still wouldnt work, such as the terminal cup is bad, and if it is, how would i go about checking that.

need to pull the sub out

 

[michaelqlin]

i mean, i know i have to pull the sub out to check the terminal cups, but is there a a way i can use a multimeter to check the terminal cup to see if there is a current going through it or any other place the wires are connected, thanks

need to pull the sub out

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

i mean, i know i have to pull the sub out to check the terminal cups, but is there a a way i can use a multimeter to check the terminal cup to see if there is a current going through it or any other place the wires are connected, thanks

yes you can set the dmm on the ohm readings and check and see if you get any

 

[naughtyca 10+ year member]

did you pull the sub out?

 

[michaelqlin]

nope not yet, my subs are in my car and its actually parked a good distance from me (im in college). im going to do it in the next hour or two though if its not freezing outside.

did you pull the sub out?