Low voltage at amplifier

what would cause a low voltage reading at an amplifier? I’m getting like 1.4 volts when I measure across the battery and ground terminals with a multimeter on the amplifier. I’ve read that I should get like 11.

This is a “new” install with good condition used parts. The amp powers on and is wired correctly, but goes straight to protection mode.

 

Are you running your amp postive wire directly from the battery through a fuseable link or circuit breaker ? you should have 12 volts
Is your amp looking for a " trigger " from your ignition switch ?
you may need to install the trigger wire .

 

Blown/bad fuse at battery.
Blown/bad fuses on amp.
Bad ground (not tight, paint not scraped off, etc)

Those are the usual causes

 

What gauge wire?
How many watts is the amp?
Where did you connect to positive?
Where did you ground to?
Any splices in the wires?

 

I’m replacing a starter now but will report back with some findings based on y’alls above information. The power comes straight from the battery with an in-line fuse. It’s from an amp kit. The remote wire pulls from the headunit. The ground wire is currently sharing a screw on a mounting bracket that’s threaded into the bad of the cab. It may be the source of my problems if cranking the truck doesn’t work? Is that a thing, Does the truck have to be cranked?

I think my issue may have been a result of the truck not being cranked?

 

No, you should see at least 11 volts even when the truck is off, provides your battery is in good health.

If you’re only getting 1.4 volts at the amp, I would first use a different ground spot with my multimeter. The metal latch on the body for the door always works well and usually isn’t painted.

Test your positive using a bare metal ground that ISNT the amp’s ground. If you still show low voltage, it’s narrowed down to the power wire portion.

Now, test voltage by the battery, AFTER the fuse. This will show if power is passing through the fuse properly. If you’re using the little glass tube fuses, I’d bet lots of money that it’s the fuse. Often they come de-soldered inside the tube so you can’t see it but it looks as if it’s not blown.

If you get 11+ volts AFTER the fuse, then it’s something between the fuse and the amp. But I would bet that you won’t get full voltage after the fuse, meaning the fuse is bad.

 

I have a feeling its an issue with your ground or the fuse as dustin meeks suspects. Try measuring the voltage of the power wire using a different ground.

If OP used to small of a power wire he would only show symptoms during load, but OP measures 1.4 volts with no load.

 

Hey guys, I wanted to update you on what I've been up to. Thank you for your replies regarding my amplifier issues. I have been unable to check into your solutions because I've been dealing with some other issues that were supposed to be resolved like 2 days ago.

Typically, starter goes bad.... throw a new starter in.... go on with life.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/another-starter-thread.586325/#post-19563974