Amplifying is simply a fancy word used to describe the boosting of a sound. Usually, the built-in sound speakers in cars do not offer the sound intensity that some people describe as “music to the ears”.
The sound quality is not enough to enjoy the music, so an amplifier is used. The amplifier boosts the electric sound signal and improves the sound quality to the level that it becomes enjoyable. Real music lovers always prefer to have an amplifier in the car to experience the true spirit of the music.
Test a Car Amplifier Output with Two Methods
Testing a car amplifier with the help of a multimeter is a straightforward process. There are two easy methods that you can follow to test the amplifier of the car. Lets us discuss both methods.
Method 1: Testing the Continuity of the Fuse of the Amplifier
The continuity on a multimeter has a wave or a diode symbol and is used to check if a circuit is complete/working. For example, the fuse of an amplifier can sometimes burn or malfunction and cause problems in the working of an amplifier.
A multimeter can be used to test the continuity across the fuse to determine its condition. The following steps should be followed to test the continuity of the fuse:
- Connect the red probe of the multimeter in the positive port.
- Connect the black probe of the multimeter in the negative port.
- Locate the fuse of the amplifier and take it out for testing.
- Rotate the knob on your multimeter and set it to read for voltage.
- Now connect the red and black probes of the multimeter across the fuse and measure the voltage.
- If the multimeter screen shows an adequate signal of continuity, then the fuse is fine.
- If the multimeter screen does not indicate continuity, then the fuse is useless, and you have to replace it.
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Method 2: Checking the Voltage Across the Amplifier
If the fuse is fine, then the problem is within the amplifier itself and not the fuse. By measuring the voltage across the amplifier, one can quickly diagnose the problem in the amplifier. Follow the below steps to measure voltage:
- Set up the multimeter to read the voltage.
- Locate the positive terminal of the amplifier and connect the red probe to it.
- Locate the negative terminal of the amplifier and connect the black probe to it.
- Note the reading on the multimeter screen.
- If the multimeter reads a voltage of 12V, the amplifier should be fine.
- If the voltage reading does not show or is inadequate, it means there is a problem with the amplifier. It could be a broken wire or a loose connection.
- Sometimes bad wiring also causes the amplifier to misbehave.