sub and amp

Car Sub And Amp Not Working: What To Do

by

Jeffrey
August 10, 2022
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If your sub and amp aren’t working in your car, don’t worry!

We’re here to help.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common causes of this issue and how to fix them.

We’ll also provide some helpful tips on choosing the best sub and amp for your car audio system.

So, whether you’re a beginner or an expert when it comes to car audio, read on for all the information you need to get your sub and amp working again!

Car Sub And Amp Not Working: What To Do

If your sub and amp are connected but not working, it could be due to a number of different issues.

The most common causes are listed below, along with solutions for each problem.

sub and amp

1. The Subwoofer Is Not Receiving Power

Check that the subwoofer is plugged into an outlet and that the fuse is not blown.

If the subwoofer is receiving power but still not working, move on to the next step.

Check the fuse by taking a reading. If it’s blown, replace it with a new one.

2. The Subwoofer Is Not Properly Grounded

If the subwoofer is not properly grounded, it will not work.

To check if the subwoofer is properly grounded, use a multimeter to test for continuity between the ground wire and the metal chassis of the subwoofer.

If there is no continuity, you will need to ground the subwoofer.

There are a few ways to ground the subwoofer:

  • Use a grounding wire kit
  • Connect the ground wire to a metal part of the car
  • Connect the ground wire to the negative terminal of the battery

If you’re not sure how to properly ground your subwoofer, we recommend consulting with a professional.

3. The Subwoofer Is Not Properly Connected To The Amplifier

If the subwoofer is not properly connected to the amplifier, it will not work.

Check all of the connections between the subwoofer and amplifier to make sure they are secure.

If you’re using RCA cables, make sure they are plugged in all the way and that there is no bare wire showing.

The connection might also be lost when your car face overheating issues.

You can also try connecting the subwoofer to the amplifier using a speaker wire.

If this works, then the issue is with the RCA cables and you will need to replace them.

If you’re still having trouble, it’s possible that the subwoofer is damaged and will need to be replaced.

4. The Amplifier Is Not Receiving Power

Check that the amplifier is properly plugged into an outlet and that the fuse is not blown.

If the amplifier is receiving power but still not working, move on to the next step.

Check the fuse by taking a reading.

If it’s blown, replace it with a new one.

If the amplifier is still not working, it’s possible that it is damaged and will need to be replaced.

This can be a reason when you use soap alternatives to wash your car and the water drains into the battery.

5. Check The Voltage

If you’re still having trouble getting your sub and amp to work, the next step is to check the voltage.

The voltage should be between 11 and 16 volts.

If it’s lower than this, the battery may be low and will need to be charged.

If the voltage is higher than this, it could be a sign of a problem with the alternator and you should take the car to a mechanic to have it checked out.

The amp requires a voltage of 11-16 volts to function properly.

If the voltage is lower than this, the battery may be low and will need to be charged.

If the voltage is higher than this, it could be a sign of a problem with the alternator and you should take the car to a mechanic to have it checked out.

6. Try a Different Amplifier

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your sub and amp still aren’t working, the next step is to try a different amplifier.

It’s possible that the amplifier you’re using is not compatible with your subwoofer or car audio system.

Try borrowing an amplifier from a friend or taking your subwoofer to a professional to have it tested.

If you’re sub and amp are still not working after trying all of the above steps, we recommend taking your car to a professional to have it checked out.

There could be an issue with the electrical system in your car that needs to be repaired.

sub and amp

7. Improperly Connected Woofer Wires

The subwoofer is not working because the woofer wires are not properly connected to the subwoofer.

Check the connections and make sure they are tight and secure.

If you’re using RCA cables, make sure they are plugged in all the way and that there is no bare wire showing.

You can also try connecting the subwoofer to the amplifier using a speaker wire.

If this works, then the issue is with the RCA cables and you will need to replace them.

If you’re still having trouble, it’s possible that the subwoofer is damaged and will need to be replaced.

8. Check Your Settings

If you’re sure that all the connections are secure and the subwoofer is getting power, the next step is to check your settings.

Make sure that the subwoofer is turned on and that the volume is turned up.

If it’s still not working, try turning the subwoofer off and then back on again.

The settings might also sometimes reset when it vibrates constantly on overspeeding.

If you’re sub and amp are still not working after trying all of the above steps, we recommend taking your car to a professional to have it checked out.

There could be an issue with the electrical system in your car that needs to be repaired.

We hope this troubleshooting guide has helped you figure out why your sub and amp are not working.

Buying Guide For An Amplifier

When shopping for an amplifier, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Type Of Amplifier You Need

The first thing you need to do is determine the type of amplifier you need.

There are two main types of amplifiers: mono and stereo.

Mono amplifiers are typically used to power subwoofers, while stereo amplifiers are used to power speakers.

If you’re looking for an amplifier to power your subwoofer, we recommend checking out our list of the best mono amplifiers.

If you’re looking for an amplifier to power your speakers, we recommend checking out our list of the best stereo amplifiers.

2. The Wattage Rating

The wattage rating is the amount of power the amplifier can produce.

The higher the wattage rating, the more powerful the amplifier.

When choosing an amplifier, you need to make sure that it can handle the subwoofer or speakers you’re using.

3. The Number Of Channels

The number of channels refers to the number of subwoofers or speakers the amplifier can power.

If you’re only looking to power one subwoofer, you need a mono amplifier.

If you’re looking to power two subwoofers or four speakers, you need a stereo amplifier.

When choosing an amplifier, you need to make sure that it has enough channels to power all the subwoofers or speakers you’re using.

4. The Price

The price is another important factor to consider when shopping for an amplifier.

Amplifiers can range in price from $50 to $500. You need to find an amplifier that fits your budget and needs.

To sum it all up, when shopping for an amplifier you need to consider the type of amplifier you need, the wattage rating, the number of channels, and the price.

5. Features

The last thing you need to consider is the features.

Some amplifiers come with built-in subwoofers or crossovers.

Others have a bass boost or treble control.

When choosing an amplifier, you need to decide which features are important to you and which ones you can live without.

Buying Guide For A SubWoofer

When shopping for a subwoofer, it is important to consider the following factors:

sub and amp

1. Size

The size of the subwoofer is one of the most important factors to consider.

You need to make sure that the subwoofer you choose will fit in your car.

2. Power

Power is another important factor to consider when shopping for a subwoofer.

The power rating is the amount of power the subwoofer can handle.

You need to make sure that the subwoofer you choose can handle the amplifier you’re using.

3. Sensitivity

The sensitivity rating is the amount of power the subwoofer needs to produce sound.

The higher the sensitivity rating, the less power the subwoofer needs.

When choosing a subwoofer, you need to make sure that it has a high sensitivity rating.

4. The Price

The price is another important factor to consider when shopping for a subwoofer.

Subwoofers can range in price from $50 to $500.

You need to find a subwoofer that fits your budget and needs.

To sum it all up, when shopping for a subwoofer you need to consider the size, power, sensitivity, and price.

5. Features

The last thing you need to consider is the features.

Some subwoofers come with built-in amplifiers or crossovers.

Others have a bass boost or treble control.

When choosing a subwoofer, you need to decide which features are important to you and which ones you can live without.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us take a look at some of the common questions people ask.

Q: What Is The Difference Between A Subwoofer And An Amplifier?

A: A subwoofer is a speaker that reproduces low frequencies.

An amplifier is a device that increases the power of an audio signal.

Q: Do I Need An Amplifier To Power My Subwoofer?

A: Yes, you need an amplifier to power your subwoofer.

Q: How Do I Know If An Amplifier Is Powerful Enough to power my subwoofer?

A: The wattage rating is the amount of power the amplifier can produce.

The higher the wattage rating, the more powerful the amplifier.

When choosing an amplifier, you need to make sure that it has a high wattage rating.

Q: What is the difference between a mono amplifier and a stereo amplifier?

A: A mono amplifier can power one subwoofer or two speakers.

A stereo amplifier can power two subwoofers or four speakers.

When choosing an amplifier, you need to make sure that it has enough channels to power all the subwoofers or speakers you’re using.

Q: What Is The Difference Between A Subwoofer And A Speaker?

A: A subwoofer is a speaker that reproduces low frequencies.

A speaker is a device that reproduces sound.

Both subwoofers and speakers need an amplifier to function.

Q: Do I Need A Subwoofer To Play Bass?

A: No, you don’t need a subwoofer to play bass.

You can use any speaker to play bass.

However, subwoofers are designed specifically for low frequencies and will give you the best sound quality.

Q: What Is The Difference Between A Subwoofer And An Amplifier?

A: A subwoofer is a speaker that reproduces low frequencies.

An amplifier is a device that increases the power of an audio signal.

Q: Do I Need An Amplifier To Power My Subwoofer?

A: Yes, you need an amplifier to power your subwoofer.

Q: How Do I Know If An Amplifier Is Powerful Enough To Power My Subwoofer?

A: The wattage rating is the amount of power the amplifier can produce.

The higher the wattage rating, the more powerful the amplifier.

When choosing an amplifier, you need to make sure that it has a high wattage rating.

Q: What Is The Difference Between A Mono Amplifier And A Stereo Amplifier?

A: A mono amplifier can power one subwoofer or two speakers.

A stereo amplifier can power two subwoofers or four speakers.

When choosing an amplifier, you need to make sure that it has enough channels to power all the subwoofers or speakers you’re using.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about subwoofers and amplifiers, you’re ready to start shopping for your own.

Keep these tips in mind to ensure that you find the perfect subwoofer and amplifier for your car.

Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful.

Jeffrey

Jeffrey Bryce is an experienced motorcycle rider with years of experience caring for motorcycles. His natural fondness for motorcycles have made him come up with LetsGoForARide.com, which is dedicated to answering and teaching you how to care for your bike with the care it requires. LetsGoForARide is the one of his important lifework in reaching out to communities of motorcycle enthusiasts on how to take care of their bike and choosing the correct spare part.