The Jl Audio 500/1 is a 500 watt, one channel monoblock subwoofer amplifier. This amplifier is used exclusively to power one 500 watt (peak) subwoofer. Car amplifiers are built for durability, as the vibrations from the speakers and the car would damage sensitive components if they were not designed to handle them. Still, the Jl Audio 500/1 may require some maintenance through normal use. Unfortunately, for major problems the average user will likely be unable to repair the amp as advanced knowledge of its hardware is required.
Check the fuse. The fuse prevents the Jl Audio 500/1 from shorting. Instead of a power surge damaging the unit it only damages the fuse (which is easy and inexpensive to replace.) The recommended 50A fuse is connected to the power lead on the amplifier. Always disconnect the power before working with the fuse. Examine the fuse to make sure that it is not damaged. Replace with a new fuse (of the same specifications) and test out the amplifier.
Check the subwoofer. If the audio being produced from the subwoofer is non-existent or distorted then the problem may be with the woofer itself and not the amplifier. A user may mistake a problem with the woofer for a problem with the amplifier. Test the woofer with a different amplifier or test the amplifier with a different woofer to troubleshoot this error.
Check the connections. Examine the power and speaker connections on the Jl Audio 500/1. Look for frayed wires, exposed connections and bent cables as all of these could be causing problems. Replace with new wires and cables. Seal off open connections with electrical tape. Double check to make sure that all the connections between wire or cable and amplifier are solid.
