Amplifier

Repair
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
(ELECTRICAL PARTS)

ALBERT B. DADA
 Amplifier Repair

This Fix-It Guide on amplifier repair tells how an

audio amplifier works, what often goes wrong, how
to identify an amplifier problem, and what parts
and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple
step-by-step instructions for how to disassemble
an amplifier and tells how to inspect an amplifier,
and how to clean an amplifier. This guide also
refers you to other Fix-It-Guides for more amplifier
repairs.
How Does an Amplifier Work?

• An amplifier is an electronic device that

magnifies and controls audio signal
sources from a built-in AM-FM receiver as
well as an external CD player, tape player,
or other audio home-entertainment device.
The output signal is fed to audio speakers.
 What Can Go Wrong with an
Amplifier?
• Many things can go wrong with amplifiers,
the most common being operator error.
That is, if everything lights up but there is
no sound, the speaker wires may not be
connected or the speaker button may not
be selected. Otherwise, the cord may be
damaged or an internal fuse may be
blown.
 What Can Go Wrong with an
Amplifier?
• One of the most common causes of
receiver problems is oxidation of electrical
contacts and jacks. A jack is the connector
used to mate a wire or plug to a circuit. A
jack or plug that has gunk on it won’t
conduct electricity, so the next device in
line doesn’t get the signal.
 What Can Go Wrong with an
Amplifier?
• Often, the problem is not in the amplifier
but in one of the connections between it
and either a source or the speakers. Use
a continuity tester or a multimeter to check
continuity of audio cords going in and out
of the amplifier before attempting to open
the unit up and look further.
 How Can I Identify an
Amplifier Problem?
• Identifying the problem in an amplifier is
easy: no power, no sound, or bad sound.
Finding the source of the problem is a little
more difficult. In some cases, the problem
will actually be in an audio unit that feeds
in to the amplifier such as a CD
player, cassette deck, DVD player,
or speaker.
Fix-It Tip
• One of the first things you can try is to
remove all other audio sources from the
amplifier and use only the internal receiver
to determine whether the unit is getting
power or good sound.
 What Do I Need for Amplifier
Repair?
If you need to open up the amplifier for
cleaning or to replace a fuse or electrical
cord , here’s what you’ll need:
• Phillips screwdrivers
• Soldering iron and solder
• Electrical contact cleaner spray or can of
compressed air
 What Are the Steps to
Amplifier Repair?
• Amplifiers are assembled with many of the
same components as other appliances, so
fixing basic elements is similar. For
example, cords may not consistently
deliver electricity, switches and controllers
can cause problems, and fuses may need
to be replaced. Frequently, however, what
the amplifier needs most is simply a
thorough cleaning with some canned air
and/or contact cleaner.
 What Are the Steps to
Amplifier Repair?
• The first step in fixing internal parts in your
amplifier is to open the unit up. Most
amplifiers are encased in a two-piece
housing–top-front and bottom-back.
 Disassemble an amplifier:

1.Make sure that the electrical cord is

unplugged from the wall receptacle.
2.Remove screws on the side, back, or
bottom to separate the cover from the
chassis.
3.Slide the two halves apart to expose the
internal components mounted on the
chassis (lower frame).
 Disassemble an amplifier:
4.Inspect the internal end of the electrical
cord for looseness or damage caused by
being pulled (a common problem) and
replace as needed.
5. If there is no power, but the cord works,
look for an internal fuse. Test the fuse and
replace as needed.
 Disassemble an amplifier:
6.Use a can of compressed air to carefully
blow away dust that is attracted to electronic
components. If excessive, use a vacuum
cleaner with a plastic tip (so delicate parts
won’t receive static electricity) to clean the
inside of the unit.
7. Use electrical contact cleaner to clean the
input jacks and speaker terminals. If one of
the input jacks is disconnected from the
wires, either reconnect or resolder it.
Fix-It Tip
• Use a clean pencil eraser to clean cable
pins on a regular basis. Use a quick shot
of compressed air to remove eraser
debris.