TROUBLESHOOTING

If your amplifi er does not appear to be working, check the obvious things fi rst such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain controls, etc. There is an illuminated red badge on top of the amplifi er denoting the power state of the amp in addition to the Protection LED on the end panel of your KICKER ZX series amplifi er. When the red badge is lit, this indicates the amplifi er is turned on and the amplifi er is functioning properly.

RED Badge Light off, no output? With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following: +12 volt power terminal (should read +12V to +16V) Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V) Check for reversed power and ground connections. Ground terminal, for proper conductivity. Check for blown fuses.

RED Badge Light on, no output? Check the following: RCA connections Test speaker outputs with a “known” good speaker. Substitute source unit with a “known” good source unit. Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifi er with the VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage.

Protection LED flashing with loud music? The red LED indicates low battery voltage. Check all the connections in your vehicle’s charging system. It may be necessary to replace or charge your vehicle’s battery or replace your vehicle’s alternator.

Protection LED on, no output? Amplifi er is very hot = thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams in this manual for minimum recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airfl ow around the amplifi er. Amplifi er shuts down only while vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifi er is not within the 10–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging and electrical system inspected. Amplifi er will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection is engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged speakers or speaker(s) operating below the minimum recommended impedance.

No output from one channel? Check the balance control on source unit Check the RCA (or speaker input) and speaker output connections for the channel Swap the RCA (or speaker input) cable from left to right. If the problem changes sides then you have a bad RCA (or speaker input) cable or source unit problem. Swap the speaker output wire from left to right. If the problem changes sides then you have a bad speaker cable, passive crossover network and/or speaker.

Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM? Check for damaged RCA (or speaker input) cable Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable Check the source unit for proper grounding Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are set too high.

Poor stereo image or reduced bass response? Check system phasing by turning the balance control from left to right. If there is more bass output when turned to either side, then check your speaker wiring, passive crossover networks and speaker terminals for proper positive and negative connections. Reverse a speaker connection from positive to negative on the stereo/subwoofer channel(s); if the bass improves, the speaker was out of phase.

Ground Noise? KICKER amplifi ers are engineered to be fully compatible with all manufacturers’ head units. Some head units may require additional grounding to prevent noise from entering the audio signal. If you are experiencing this problem with your head unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the RCA outputs on the head unit to the chassis will remedy this issue.

Please Note: Modern high performance speakers have a lower DC Resistance than what used to be available. The KICKER Coaxial and Component speakers are rated at four ohms (some DC Resistances may be as low as 3 ohms) and work with any amplifi er designed to operate at a four ohm load. If you want to use two KICKER Coaxial or Component speakers on a single channel of your amplifi er, wire the speakers in series. This will improve the sound quality, lower the total harmonic distortion and lessen the thermal load at the amplifi er. This may prevent an amplifi er from shutting down due to over-current protection circuitry.

CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are correct. Improper connections can result in blown amplifi er fuses as well as the failure of other critical systems in the vehicle.

If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product, see the Authorized

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ZX AMPLIFIERS

2011 ZX 200.2 450.2 RevC.indd 6

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Kicker ZX200.2, ZX450.2 manual Troubleshooting
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ZX450.2, ZX200.2 specifications

The Kicker ZX series of amplifiers, including the ZX200.2, ZX150.2, and ZX250.2, represents a significant leap in performance and reliability for car audio enthusiasts. These amplifiers are designed to provide powerful sound and enhanced audio clarity, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle’s sound system.

The Kicker ZX200.2 amplifier delivers 200 watts of power at 2 ohms, making it ample for both driving full-range speakers and powering subwoofers. One of its standout features is the built-in crossover, which allows users to tailor their sound by adjusting the high-pass or low-pass filters. The ZX200.2 also operates efficiently, with a compact design that simplifies installation without compromising on power.

On the other hand, the ZX150.2, with its 150 watts of power, is perfect for those looking for a robust yet space-efficient amplifier. It includes a variable high-pass filter as well, which ensures precision sound delivery. This model emphasizes Kicker’s commitment to producing amplifiers that produce high-quality sound while remaining affordable and user-friendly. The ZX150.2's low-profile chassis allows it to fit easily into tighter spaces, making it a popular choice for those with limited installation options.

For those needing more power, the ZX250.2 elevates performance with 250 watts of power output. This amplifier excels in driving large speakers and low-frequency components without distortion. Featuring advanced heat management technologies, the ZX250.2 is designed for long-term usage without the risk of overheating. It also includes adjustable bass boost, allowing audiophiles to enhance low-frequency performance to their liking.

All models in the ZX series incorporate Kicker’s Legendary sound quality technology, characterized by low distortion and high dynamic range. They are built with high-grade components and are engineered for flexibility, accommodating various system configurations. Additionally, their sleek design and durable construction ensure that they can withstand the rigors of everyday driving.

In conclusion, the Kicker ZX200.2, ZX150.2, and ZX250.2 amplifiers exemplify the perfect blend of power, quality, and user-adjustability. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audio aficionado, these amplifiers provide the performance and reliability necessary to take your car audio experience to the next level. With their advanced features and robust designs, Kicker amplifiers are an investment in superior sound quality for any vehicle.
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