Subs keep cutting out

[Hotbox420]

I'm having problems with my system ever since I put it in my new car. I have a JBL 500w amp pushing 2 12 xplods. I never had a problem in my other car but now when it plays sometimes my subs only hit at like half power and then cut back to normal. When I bridge it to 2 ohms instead of the subs dimming they cut out completely. I think its my ground because its hard to find a spot to the frame I'm just on metal bit I did scrape it down. I hope its not my amp or subs starting to go but I'm not sure. I just don't know because it never did it until I changed cars. Any thoughts?

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[Moble Enclosurs 10+ year member]

Try the better ground for obvious reasons. But also, make sure that amplifier is capable of a 2ohm load. Some amps will say 2ohm, but they don't mention that is a "stereo" mode, not bridged. Could be mismatched resistance levels like that. But also, check the drivers capabilities....do you have a home stereo capable of at least 50w to a sub? Hook them up (outside of the enclosure-free air) to the *5 sub output in your home to verify they are working properly as well....maxing out the 50w will do just fine to test that. Honestly, when questions like thise are asked, there could be so many different things that are the answer, so if you don't find it the first time, don't get upset. We will try to help you out. But likely, it is an electrical issue, not mechanical, i'd say 70%-30% electrical right now. So, look at what you have going here, and get back and let us know.

1. Ground it better

2. Wire the drivers in stereo to see if it does the same thing

3. Test the drivers free air

4. Do not run the amp at full all the time...and "gain" should not be used as a volume control....keep it moderate.

 

[Hotbox420]

I don't have a home stereo to test on but it does it at 4 ohms too it just cuts out worse at 2 ohns, so i dobt think its bridging thats cauing it. I also forgot its different speaker wire than I had. I bought a amp kit and the new wire was in it but it looks like home stereo speaker wire whereas my old was thick insulated. Could the wire not be good enough I mean it was a 1500 wat amp kit.

 

[Korkor]

What head unit are you using in the new car?

 

[Moble Enclosurs 10+ year member]

Wires do react equally to the current that goes through them, hence the larger wires for larger voltages, but not sure that would be the issue as the wire will more likely melt from over access of power rather than control it and by the subs cutting out, that is something trying to control the power. It might help to get thicker ones, but not for the main issue here. It does sound like amplifier issues personally, but so many things it could be. You would have to either void or confirm that each variable of the system does or does not affect the issue. That being said, I still recommend the steps I mentioned above as a good starting point. And if you do not have a seperate home amplifier, maybe you could borrow one from somebody, or ask the local shop to hook it up in their stores testing and display area. But you will not find the problem, unless by fluke, unless things are tested as since you are dealing with electronics, the possibilities are virtually limitless one what could cause that. It does sound like a simple short, but where and how is the tough part. You need extra equipment to test things out.

 

[Moble Enclosurs 10+ year member]

Any question at this point is valid and again any one of us could lead you in the direction you need at this point, so listen to everyones advice on this one, as one of us will likely find the cause by question. Its tough to know without being there, so there is no seperation of advanced advice over general at this point. It is all relavent, so anyone who may have ideas, please chime in.

 

[optimusprime 10+ year member]

did you check the wire bearings?...//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif