MSP w/12" Kicker L5 w/Kicker kx400.1

[destr0yr]

Hi,

I have a 2003.5 MSP with one kicker solo-baric L5, powered by a single Kicker KX400.1. Directly off the Yellow Top Optima battery is 8 gauge to the amp. I have a 4 gauge ground for the amp which is connected metal-to-metal (ground it down with a dremel). I've installed a grounding kit as well, just for a "make work" project (the 1st grounding kit guide in the howto section).

My problem - the amp cuts out and goes into Protect Mode whenever the bass hits. I used to be able to crank up the tunes and never worry about a thing, other than my ears. Now, however, the amp cuts out well before I reach my desired listening volume. Any ideas on what might an issue? I noticed the RCA's that connect into my amp might be a bit bent - could this have any significant ramifications? Maybe my alternator showing signs of weakness?

Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[93mx6]

if you have them bridged it could be exceeding the handling power, if they are bridged try unbridging them

 

[satyr36]

its the s*** stock alternator.....

 

[destr0yr]

its the s*** stock alternator.....

Hah, thanks. Any suggestions for a decent replacement?

 

[7zimmer7]

first try upping your power wire to 4guage to match your ground. and dont go to walmart. get good stuff.
that dont work then make sure the ohm load of the sub matches your amp. if i remember right 400.1's should be a 2ohm load. so hopefully you have a dual 4 ohm sub wired down to 2ohms...

what kind of a head unit is it???

 

[destr0yr]

first try upping your power wire to 4guage to match your ground. and dont go to walmart. get good stuff.
that dont work then make sure the ohm load of the sub matches your amp. if i remember right 400.1's should be a 2ohm load. so hopefully you have a dual 4 ohm sub wired down to 2ohms...

what kind of a head unit is it???

I was going to do the 4gauge from the battery to the amp, but all I need is 8 gauge for the amount of power i'm running. If i do though, yah, I always spend a few bucks more on the good cable.

Head unit is an Alpine CDA-9887

Thanks
--
James

 

[7zimmer7]

i ran into the same problem for a while.. i had a 1200.1 powering subs and it would work fine.. it wuz my 650.4 running my speakers that would cut out at high volume.. now i dont really believe in capacitors but i had one laying around so i mounted it cool looking in my trunk and wired through the 1200.1 power line. so i figured i'd buy another cap from a friend who had one laying around and tryed it on the 650.4. worked. neither amps cut out. even at screaming loud volume. so either a cap or an alternator should do the trick.. imo

 

[destr0yr]

So I replaced my alternator and the problem still exists.... thinking maybe upgrading to 4gauge from the alternator to the battery as well. frustrated!

 

[satyr36]

So I replaced my alternator and the problem still exists.... thinking maybe upgrading to 4gauge from the alternator to the battery as well. frustrated!

did you replace it with the same stock sized alternator ?

 

[destr0yr]

did you replace it with the same stock sized alternator ?

Yes, like an idiot I figured if it worked properly before with the stock alt there's absolutely zero reason it shouldn't work now with a new one.

I'm a sucker for punishment.

Anyway, just two days ago I removed the sub and amp and put the stock kenwood 8" in there. I figure with winter coming I'll reclaim my trunk and make room for my snowboard

I'll tackle the problem again next spring.