Expert: Cleggsan - 4/28/2010

Question
QUESTION: Ok so i just put a system in my truck i have a kicker l5 pioneer 760watt amp and Alpine cda-9856. If i have the radio on the sub works great but as soon as i change to my iPod or CD the sub doesnt work. i know its probably a setting on the radio but i have no idea. any help is greatly appreciated. I know its the head unit.

ANSWER: It is likely a wiring or hook up problem - or could even be some setting of the Alpine head unit.

The Alpine cda-9856 unit requires its special iPod cable. Do you have that?  And check the owners and installation manual for any other requirements that may not be proper.  

If you can't solve the problem come back to me with a followup but give me more details about the connection and hookup of your system.

Good Luck.

PS: Are you using external cd player or the one built into the Alpine cda-9856?  If the internal cd player is not getting audio to the sub it is likely a setup problem.  Check your manual again and again.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: everything is all hooked up right same colors. i do have the special cable, and it came with the Ai-net box which i did not install, i'm using the internal cd player as well

Answer
Seems to be a problem with the Alpine head unit or the cable.  Do you know how to check the cable? It requires an ohmmeter to check continuity of the conductors end to end.   

Here is another thought: If the sub amp is powered from the head unit remote turn-on wire it may be switching off when it goes out of radio for some reason.  Check the 12v dc on the remote turn on to the sub amp or jumper the 12v to it to make certain the power does come on.  There are two 12v lines going to the sub amp; one is always on coming directly from the battery system, the other comes from ignition or from the head unit and turns on the amp when it gets a 12v voltage.

Hope this helps.