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How do I fix my car’s audio amplifier?
I just found out my car stereo’s amplifier is having problems. Is this something I can fix myself at home? And if so, how do I fix a car audio amplifier?
Matt Terzi · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The daily commute is a genuine struggle without the right jams, so let’s see if we can help guide you in the right direction here.
You can fix your car’s audio amplifier yourself at home. It’s a fun DIY project and generally beginner-friendly, as long as you’re comfortable working with electronics and cars. Just know that you’re assuming all of the risks when you try doing these repairs at home.
Here are some of the common problems amplifiers run into, and how you can fix them:
- The amp isn’t powering on: Inspect the power and remote lines, as well as the ground. A lot of car audio problems start and end with using the wrong grounding point. Make sure the ground is connected to the car’s chassis (frame). Check to see if any fuses are blown, too. If all of that checks out, replace the amplifier.
- Protect mode is on: Protect mode activates when your audio system detects an issue with speakers or cables. This is easy enough to diagnose; simply disconnect the speakers and see if the protect mode light goes off, then try the RCA cables. Once you identify the issue, diagnose if it’s a cable shorting out or the speaker itself.
- The amp is on, but there’s no sound: Cycle through the inputs (radio, CD, Bluetooth, etc.) and see if the issue is from one input and not the others. If it is, your head unit has an issue. Otherwise, check your speaker and RCA cables. You may have a speaker or amplifier problem.
- Unwanted noise: Hissing and crackling are usually caused by interference, so make sure speaker and RCA cables aren’t coming in contact with power or ground cables at any point. Make sure your amplifier is properly grounded. Also, try to use nicer cables with shielding.
We hope this helps you fix your car’s audio amplifier. And don’t forget to download the
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!View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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