Amps are a fundamental part of our audio systems. However, like any other part of the musical system, they face mechanical challenges, among other difficulties. If your amp turns off after a few seconds or face similar challenges while playing music, this article is for you.
Amps may turn on and then off after a few seconds because of a bad voltage supply, low power, loose terminals, debris in the terminals, incorrectly connected ground wires, a bad fuse, clipping or protection mode.
Amps may also randomly shut off due to a problem in the internal circuitry or external wiring and issues with other equipment such as speakers connected to it. We have listed some of the reasons and possible fixes below.
The Voltage Power Supply Is Low
When playing music at a high volume, your amp requires more voltage. If the supply is low, it will reset itself and go into protection mode.
If your amp needs 12V, ensure the battery supplies 12V or the mains supply is 12V. Also, ensure the power rating on the speaker components connected to the amp does not exceed the power supply.
If the power supply is adequate but the amp still goes into protection, disconnect some of the speakers and check if the problem is resolved.
You should also note that amps may lose power over time if they are old and the components are wearing out.
Inappropriate Wiring
This is one of the main reasons your amplifier may keep turning off. If the wiring is not appropriate, less power will pass into the amp. Thus, you should check the wiring and correct any errors first.
In addition, you should check for the standard procedures, i.e., plugging the cable into the wall, plugging the different ends of the line securely into the amplifier by observing the color codes, and ensuring that you have turned on the power at the main supply.
Issues With The Terminals
Sometimes, the terminals may not be making proper contact with the wires. This may be due to debris collecting at the terminals or the connections may be loose.
For example, if you are using binding posts, this can be a common issue.
Impaired Remote Turn-On Cable
In this case, we are referring to the car amplifier. If you experience a problem with your car amp, then the problem might be your remote turn-on cable. Also, if the line is incorrectly placed, the remote will not be able to send the signal to turn on the amp.
In that case, you will require to seek help from an electrician so that the remote would be wired and installed correctly.
Clipping
This is a situation where there is an issue between the power supply and your amp. It occurs when you drive too much power on the amp such as by playing your audio at a very high volume, above the limit of the amp.
So if you want to solve the issue, first, you have to reduce the volume to the required frequency.
You can also change the alternator to an aftermarket type that allows sufficient power to reach the amp and use speakers with greater efficiency that can play high-volume music without demanding too much power.
Amplifier Gets On Into Protect Mode
This applies to the amp that comes equipped with the protected mode feature. The feature is built into an amp for its safety in case it experiences a problem while playing music.
The component shuts down the amp automatically to protect the hardware in case of the following:
- Interior amp failures
- Poor installation
- Overheating
- Power overload
- Loose wires
- Failed output transistors
If you noticed the problem after the first installation, check to ensure the installation was done correctly. Insect the power cables and ensure that the amp is not in direct contact with bare metals in your car.
If this happened after prolonged use and the system overheated, you may need to reposition it in an open area with a free flow of air. You can also set up a 12V fan to blow it.
Check and fix loose wires if you drive on a rough road and ensure you are supplying the correct power to the amp. If you suspect the amp has a severe internal failure, we recommend you get it repaired by a professional.
Wrong Use Of The Fuse
Fuses regulate power, especially to avoid burnout of your amps during a power surge. When a highly rated fuse is used, the amp may take up higher power which will damage its circuitry and cause it to turn off immediately.
Also, if the fuse has a much lower rating than the amp, the fuse may blow. Always ensure the fuse you use is the correct one as per the specifications of the manufacturer.
Check if the fuses are working and figure out the cause in case you notice their holders are melted. You may need to consult an amp technician to fix the problem.
FAQs
Why Does My Amp Keep Shutting Off After Short Play Periods?
The most common causes for this scenario may be; blown speakers, bad power hookups, too low load, or the bass power settings being too lofty.
Amp Keeps Shutting Off High Volume
If an amplifier shuts off at a high volume, the problem may be poor installation or voltage drop. It occurs when the ground cable is not connected correctly.
Also, this may occur if an amplifier is wired to too many speakers causing an imbalance in the impedance or when there’s a voltage drop from the supply.
My Amp Keeps Shutting Off When The Bass Hits Hard
You may have a loose connection or a lower-rated fuse; hence the voltage drops massively on high Bass causing the amp to shut or go into protection mode.
Pioneer Amp Turns On and Then Off
If your Pioneer amp turns on and then off when the speakers are engaged, check the impedance or the wiring.
You can also disconnect the speakers and try the connection without them. If it is still deactivating without the speakers, you may need to get it checked for broken internal parts by a professional.
Sony Amp Keeps Shutting Off
If the Sony amp keeps shutting down, then disconnect the speakers. If the issue is resolved, then the speakers have a problem.
If this is the case, reconnect the speakers to the amplifier one at a time as you test to recognize the bad ones. Replace the bad speakers.
Yamaha Amp Turns On and Then Off
Yamaha receivers have an inbuilt automated safety circuit, which activates in specific over current circumstances. This implies that if the unit is drawing too much current through the, it causes the inbuilt feature to turn off the receiver.
Why Does My Receiver Keep Turning Off?
This might be due to the receiver not acquiring sufficient current. In addition, if the receiver shares a wall platform with massive current equipment, i.e., a refrigerator, it may shut itself off when there is a limited power supply. Other causes may include overheating, loose connection, and a malfunctioned fuse.
Conclusion
As detailed above, experiencing problems with your amps turning off may be due to many reasons. However, many of the challenges can be solved by DIY home fixes. However, always put your amp to correct use and involve a technician when facing more daring challenges with your Amplifier.