
Insert the Q-Tip into the area between the ground and hot conductors of the male RCA. Rotate the Q-Tip around and around several times. Repeat this process (using a new Q-Tip each time) until the Q-Tip comes away visibly clean.
Full Answer
How do I fix the sound on my RCA cable?
To check this, you can simply hook up a set of good RCA cables to your head unit and amp. If that causes the light to turn off, replacing the RCA cables will fix the problem. Clipping is a type of sound distortion that occurs due to an audio waveform being “clipped” by the amplifier.
How to fix a car AMP in protection mode?
Check why your car amp is in the protection mode, then act accordingly. Common methods to fix protection mode in car amp includes correcting the connection wires, prevent over-heating, check the ground wires, and reinstalling the amplifier. If you want to enjoy good music quality, you have to use an amplifier.
Can RCA damage your car amplifier?
Any RCA can have internal damage to the amplifier or the stereo. This is pretty common too, and you would see a lot of cars sitting at garages for this very issue. So, why does this happen, you may ask?
Why is my car stereo head unit RCA output not working?
Internal damages to the car stereo or amplifier can prevent the head unit RCA output from working as it should. This problem mainly occurs when the power cables are connected to both the stereo and the amp while they are working. This connection alters the current flow and can cause thumping sounds whenever you turn on the system.

How do I fix my RCA input on my amp?
How to Fix a Broken RCA InputUnplug the device from its power source. ... Turn the device over onto the top and examine the bottom panel for screws. ... Examine the two wires leading to the RCA input. ... If the wire is frayed, cut out the frayed section, then remove 1/4 inch of insulation back from the cut.More items...
How do I fix my RCA socket?
1:046:32How to repair a broken rca or stereo plug - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow some connect careful maneuvering in there you probably have to use some tweezers or somethingMoreNow some connect careful maneuvering in there you probably have to use some tweezers or something else real skinny in there I've wrapped it around each one of the plugs.
How can I tell if my RCA cables are bad?
2:053:24How to test rca cables for audio systems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we'll hook it up shield to shield. So yeah it's just a little quick way for y'all to test to seeMoreAnd we'll hook it up shield to shield. So yeah it's just a little quick way for y'all to test to see of y'all our series of bad you take here take one of them clip. It on the tip.
How do you fix a broken RCA pin?
0:010:28Broken RCA Pin Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInside the left hand input port of a speaker to remove the pin i heated the end of a safety pinMoreInside the left hand input port of a speaker to remove the pin i heated the end of a safety pin inserted it into the pin. Let the plastic melt and then slit it right around the bin. And gently pulled.
How do I test the input on an RCA amp?
2:269:22How to test/troubleshoot rca cables for your audio system - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom my myface tester and I want to put it in both the left and the right input side now when youMoreFrom my myface tester and I want to put it in both the left and the right input side now when you press this button it's gonna stay on for five minutes. So I don't have to press it again.
Can you cut and splice RCA cables?
RCA audio and video cables can split, fray or short out over time. Splicing good sections of cable together is an efficient way to repair old cables and get them back in action.
How do you clean RCA jacks?
Insert the Q-Tip into the area between the ground and hot conductors of the male RCA. Rotate the Q-Tip around and around several times. Repeat this process (using a new Q-Tip each time) until the Q-Tip comes away visibly clean. Re-clean the connector one final time using a new Q-Tip.
Do gold plated RCA cables make a difference?
Myth: Gold-plated connectors sound better than connectors made with tin or nickel. Fact: Gold does not tarnish, and tarnished connectors can cause problems, but there is nothing inherent in gold that makes it sound better than a clean connection using standard materials.
Can an RCA cable fail?
Yes a sliding amp can damage RCAs and the Inputs on the board by breaking the solider joint. Start with using a different RCA or testing the one you have.
How do I get a broken RCA pinout?
1:063:09How To: Remove a Broken Male RCA Plug From its Female ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPart of the RCA adapter. Which is plastic melted into it you leave it sitting there for a fewMorePart of the RCA adapter. Which is plastic melted into it you leave it sitting there for a few seconds. And then once the plastic melts back around it you get that little hook part holding on to it.
How do you rewire a RCA cable?
1:026:00How to repair an RCA wire - Also works on component cables and ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd when I get another shot just squeeze. It slide it right out of there. And you're gonna be leftMoreAnd when I get another shot just squeeze. It slide it right out of there. And you're gonna be left with the shield just all frayed looking and you Center conductor and and it shouldn't be any pinch.
How do I fix my RCA male plug?
2:034:05How to fix a broken RCA or monaural cable - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe outside one your negative is going to be soldered. And connected to the rest of the wire. AndMoreThe outside one your negative is going to be soldered. And connected to the rest of the wire. And your positive is going to be a little further underneath. And not at all touching.
How do you replace a RCA jack?
How to Replace an RCA PlugCut off the old plug with wire cutters. ... Use wire strippers to peel off about 1/2 inch of insulation from both wires.Remove the sheath from the new plug, and slip it over the wires of the old plug.Connect the two wires to the color-coded connectors on the new plug.More items...
How do you fix a broken speaker plug?
0:332:19How to Replace Speaker Wire Connectors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut your connector on and crimp it. The other method which is the one i prefer to strip the wire.MorePut your connector on and crimp it. The other method which is the one i prefer to strip the wire. Put on a piece of shrink tubing. Put your connector on crimp it and the real fun part is soldering.
How do you clean RCA jacks?
Insert the Q-Tip into the area between the ground and hot conductors of the male RCA. Rotate the Q-Tip around and around several times. Repeat this process (using a new Q-Tip each time) until the Q-Tip comes away visibly clean. Re-clean the connector one final time using a new Q-Tip.
How do I get a broken RCA pinout?
1:063:09How To: Remove a Broken Male RCA Plug From its Female ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPart of the RCA adapter. Which is plastic melted into it you leave it sitting there for a fewMorePart of the RCA adapter. Which is plastic melted into it you leave it sitting there for a few seconds. And then once the plastic melts back around it you get that little hook part holding on to it.
1. Messed Up Socket Connection
The RCA is made up of several socket sets. If you are not familiar with these sockets, you may end up putting the right cables in the wrong socket or the wrong cables in the wrong socket. It would be best if you used specific sockets to connect the radio unit and another socket for connecting the amp to the systems.
2. Manual Muting of Sub Level
Several aftermarket stereos have a setting or option that allows you to adjust the amount of output that goes into the sub-level of the amp. When the head unit RCA output is not working, you should also check if the sub-level is muted. This is a very common error. Many people accidentally mute the sub-level causing the bass to stop playing.
3. Internal Damages
Internal damages to the car stereo or amplifier can prevent the head unit RCA output from working as it should. This problem mainly occurs when the power cables are connected to both the stereo and the amp while they are working.
4. Messed Up Cables
Broken or bad cables can easily ruin your stereo. Bad cables cause several problems in the system, including low-quality audio, unclear sounds and a malfunctioning RCA output. Though uncommon, cables can go bad if the solder at the end of their connectors is broken due to excessive fiddling, pulling, and tugging.
Testing the RCA Output Using a Multimeter
If the head unit RCA output not working properly, it is essential to test it with a multimeter. If the head unit RCA output not working properly, it is essential to test it with a multimeter. Doing this will help you know where the problem is more precisely.
What happens if you break RCA output?
If you’re stuck with a broken RCA output in your vehicle, then you’ve come to the right place. This usually gets attention when you’re trying to connect an external amplifier to your car speaker system.
Can RCA speakers damage the amplifier?
Any RCA can have internal damage to the amplifier or the stereo. This is pretty common too, and you would see a lot of cars sitting at garages for this very issue.
Can a bad cable connection cause RCA output to not work?
A cold case of bad cables has ruined so many perfectly working stereos to date. Yes, a bad cable connection is one of the major suspects when your RCA output isn’t working.
What to do if you don't know where to get an amp repaired?
If you don't know any local repair shop or you don't know which repair shop is reliable, call all of the local car audio shops in the area and ask them who they'd recommend to have an amp repaired. If you find that most shops send their work to one particular repair shop, that shop likely does quality work.
What happens if you break the warranty seal on an amp?
If the amplifier is under warranty and you break the warranty seals, the amp will not be covered by the manufacturer. If it's under warranty, you should send it back to the manufacturer for repair.
Where is the power supply on an amplifier?
Most amplifiers have switching power supplies. Generally, the power supply will be on the end of the amplifier near the B+ and ground terminals. The audio section of the amplifier is generally on the other end of the amplifier (most commonly the end where the RCA jacks are located).
What is the short on a 3 legged rectifier?
The short you're reading is actually the windings of the power transformer. If there is no short between the center and outer legs of the rectifier, it's likely OK.
Why are parallel components used in amplifiers?
In most amplifiers, you'll find groups of parallel components. The components are used in groups because a single component can't handle the stress. When in parallel groups, the components MUST have virtually identical characteristics.
Where is rail voltage measured?
In most amplifiers, the rail voltage can be measured on the center leg of the 3-legged, dual rectifiers. In most class AB and class B amps (most full range amps fall into one of these categories) you will also find rail voltage on the center legs of the output transistors. Capacitors:
Should I send my amp back to the manufacturer?
If it's under warranty, you should send it back to the manufacturer for repair. If you decide to repair the amplifier and you make mistakes, it could cost more than having the amp repaired by a repair shop. If you want to learn more about electronics, it may be worth the extra time and expense.
Why do we need amplifiers in cars?
Car stereos and subwoofers also need the amplifier to increase the quality of output of the used signal.
Why does my amplifier go into protected mode?
An amplifier will go into the protected mode if the amplifier gets heated. The amplifier is overheated because of the lack of the flow of the air. If your device confined under the closed space, it might cause an overheated amplifier.
How much power does an amplifier need?
Amplifier only needs around 50 watts of power to operate that is too less as compared to the car stereos and other devices like subwoofers etc. In order to fix the amplifier protect mode, there are some possibilities; that’s why the amplifier has gone into the protection mode.
What is an amplifier?
An amplifier is a device that amplifies the weak signal into a stronger one, which causes the listener to enjoy the best sound quality. This phenomenon is the same for cars and houses. Check why your car amp is in the protection mode, then act accordingly. Common methods to fix protection mode in car amp includes correcting the connection wires, ...
Can you supplant an amplifier with another one?
In the event that subsequent to joining every one of the answers for your issues, at that point, you need to supplant your instrument with another one just. It won’t give you an appropriate answer to the issue; however, it can make substantial harm to your vehicle soon. In the event that your concern is because of the connection of the reinforcement segment, which is the reason your enhancer has gone into the protected method of the amplifier.
Do speakers have in line combine?
Speakers normally have the in-line combine, and furthermore, it has wires that are worked in the amplifier. Presently, if your amplifier is bombed after the long utilization of the speaker, you have invested a great deal of energy in it by tuning in to it.
Can a loose wire affect an amplifier?
So a loose or a shortened wire can shift the amplifier to the protected mode. This protection mode will save the heavy instruments from severe damage. You can diagnose and fix this act by checking them by looking into the single wire that may be power and ground. This can affect the amplifier in the long run.
