AMP GROUND error on CMD5

[Tonka Boater]

I keep getting an AMP GRD error on my stock CMD5 and need some help troubleshooting. I haven't made any modifications to the system ever and I don't have a sub. This just started happening about 2 weeks ago and I can get it to work once in awhile if I turn the unit on/off repeatedly but it's very random. This happens on all of the input types: Tuner, AUX, iPod, CD, etc.

Here's what the manual says:

AMP GRD: The speaker protection circuit is operating. During this operation, if any volume operation is performed, the display shows “AMP GUARD”. “AMP GUARD” sometimes functions when special test signals are used.

1. Check the speaker connection.
2. Turn down sound volume. Function can also be restored by turning the power off and on again.
3. If the sound is muted again, consult your store of purchase.

I've tried turning the volume down to zero but that doesn't work. I'm not sure what they mean by "special test signals". I haven't removed the speakers to check the connections yet -- is there a chance I have a loose speaker connection?

 

[Kreole Kid]

Maybe a long shot, but, check the ground wire coming off the amp and follow that to it's grounding point. Make sure no corrosion is present. If there is corrosion present, scuff it with a wire brush and spray some corrosion prevention spray stuff on it after it's cleaned up a bit.

I also would check to see if the amp is in fact powered on at all first. If it's not even on, follow the above mentioned suggestion. Good luck and let me know what is the solution to your problem.

Also, There's a guy named "David" from "Earmark Marine" that's a member here on CSR, maybe look him up at "Earmarkmarine.com" and give him a call, he's been very helpful with other members in the past.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Maybe a long shot, but, check the ground wire coming off the amp and follow that to it's grounding point. Make sure no corrosion is present. If there is corrosion present, scuff it with a wire brush and spray some corrosion prevention spray stuff on it after it's cleaned up a bit.

I also would check to see if the amp is in fact powered on at all first. If it's not even on, follow the above mentioned suggestion. Good luck and let me know what is the solution to your problem.

Also, There's a guy named "David" from "Earmark Marine" that's a member here on CSR, maybe look him up at "Earmarkmarine.com" and give him a call, he's been very helpful with other members in the past.

Thank you -- I will check out the ground wire. I do know that the amp is powered on because I get a millisecond of sound before it mutes.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Thanks again KK....I fixed the problem although I don't know exactly what the problem was. I checked the ground wire off that amp and it was just fine. I pulled the head unit and check all of the connections but nothing seemed loose. I untangled the rats nest of wires before replacing the unit and everything worked perfect. My only guess is that something was shorting itself due to being crammed in the tight space. Maybe untangling and carefully replacing everything un-shorted a connection.