Problems w/ Fosgate Power Series T8002 amplifier?

Question

I installed a Fosgate T8002 (power series) amp into my 2004 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner as a start towards replacing the stereo system I had stolen from my truck last month. I'm running it in stereo (not bridged) to 2-Kicker CVX 12" DVC 2 ohm subs (same as L7's-but round-1500W Max & 750W RMS) at 1ohm which the amp is rated to handle. Less than 3 weeks after the install I jump into my truck after work and upon powering up the system hear a whining noise so I shut everything down until I got home to look into it. Upon returning home I grab my tools and as soon as I power up the system again the amp makes a hissing noise, spews out smoke & catches fire internally. I pulled the power wire from the amp before it burned my truck to the ground. I'm curious if anyone knows of problems folks might have had w/ this amp or what may have caused this. I've installed many systems over the years and know everything was installed correctly, I've just never seen this happen like this. Any ideas? Thank you!

I checked the charging system before and after the install and was getting 13.8v-14.2v with the truck running and no accesories on & 13.4-13.8 with A/C, headlights, wipers & turn signals on. I actually work for a large electrical contractor in my area and am not only familiar with car audio installation but basic & advanced electrical theory as well. Also, the truck is a 2004 Toyota Tacoma...the charging sysytem had better be strong. Oh yeah, I also had a 2 farad capacitor in the circle. Thanks for the reply though, I'm really at a loss.

Answer 1

I've never seen quite that spectacular of an amp failure either. My guess is that there was just some sort of defect in the amp that caused it, but there's a small possibility that your vehicle has an over-voltage problem that caused a capacitor in the amp to fail. Before you hook up another amp, I'd take a multimeter and test the DC voltage on your battery terminals while the engine is running. Have someone rev the engine a bit while you take the measurement. If you're getting voltage readings in the 15 volt range or higher, then I'd get the charging system checked before installing any more audio equipment.

Again, I doubt you really have a problem, but it's quick and easy to check and may save you from serious damage if you do have an issue with the charging system.