90blacknight

iTrader: (1)

Need some help,

Well my amp quit working today as I was driving. I checked the inline fuse and sure enough it was blown. Tried replacing the fuse and it blew again. I checked the power and ground and looked fine but decided to change the power wire as it was old. Tried again, this time with a best buy fuse (made in china) and the fuse would not blow which resulted in a slight burn smell and smoke (garbage fuses!), upon which I immediately shut it down! The amp is a RF punch series and I was using a 60amp fuse. I opened up the amp and noticed that a lead on one of the resistors had come loose from the board. I decided to solder it back but have not tested the amp again. My question is, was that solder joint the initial problem? Did a short lead to it? If so, is it likely a short behind the deck would cause this? I'm not sure where to begin. Is there someone here that can bench test the amp or knows how to repair amps?
I know this was long but I appreciate any help.
Thanks!

SheHateMe

Interesting how the fuse would blow like that, one after one. How many amps is your amp rated for? If less then 60 then that fuse is okay, anything really close to or over 60 and you need a bigger fuse. Possibly a bad ground? Just a few of my guesses, I'm sure someone else can help you with it as most are more versed then I am.

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

So, the fuse blew, you replaced it, it blew again, you replaced it and it did not blow and the amps magic smoke came pouring out? It is not a problem with the fuse, it is a problem with the amp which blew the fuse in the first place. You have probably made matters worse now and upped a simple inexpensive repair to one that is far more involved. There are a few people on the forum that might be able to help you but this is best left in the hands of a service shop (also on the forum). Contact 4boyssss, S&S Electronics in the vendor section and they will be able to help you out. No this does not sound like a simple solder job.

90blacknight

iTrader: (1)

The amp calls for a 50amp fuse but I was told 60 should be fine. As for the ground, it appears secure. What happens if a speaker wire grounds?

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

Nothing, Rockford amps have a circuit to protect against that. NEVER up the size of a fuse beyond what is recommended. The fuse is there to protect the amp. Chances are that you have a bad ground and this has led to a failure of the power supply or output section. Just because a wired is attached to metal does not mean it is a good ground.

SheHateMe

If a speaker wire has grounded it self to something besides the speaker, then that could also be the problem, but I wouldn't put any power to that amp until you've taken someone that is a professional at repairing/rebuilding amps.

90blacknight

iTrader: (1)

I installed this amp a few days ago and removed the amp I had in the car for 10 years. I relocated the ground just a few milimeters from where it was before because I upgraded the wire and could not longer fasten it securely to the original hole. I guess it's quite possible the ground was an issue. I'm not sure it's worth repairing the amp. Can someone here look at it and provide an estimate? Thanks for the help.

SheHateMe

Just as a reminder, best ground you can get is locating a flat spot on bare metal. Use sand paper to strip some paint away, get a self tapping screw and make sure you don't drill into your tank. I know some people like to seal it with an anti rust proof spray just incase.

Slaughter

iTrader: (6)

As MR2NR has mentioned, go see Chris @ S&S Electronics at Brimley and Ellesmere. They'll take a look at it and provide you with a free estimate.

90blacknight

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the help!