RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (2002)
Amplifier: Description and Operation
AMPLIFIER (PREMIUM SYSTEM)
The optional Infinity premium speaker system includes a separate Infinity audio power amplifier. The amplifier is a six channel unit and is rated at
240 total output watts. The amplifier is located behind the glove box.
The power amplifier electronically increases the frequency response of the normal audio signal output from the radio amplifier in order to improve
the acoustic performance of the speakers. On vehicles equipped with an amplifier, the amplifier section of the radio becomes a pre-amplifier.
The amplifier receives audio signal inputs for speaker channels from the radio, then sends amplified audio outputs through six separate channels
with dedicated feed and return circuits to the individual speakers.
The Premium Audio Amplifier uses a microprocessor for audio digital signal processing (DSP) and system diagnostics. DSP provides a more
accurate and consistent match of the audio system equalization to the vehicle interior. The O2 DR Ram amplifier has six channels for superior
sound quality.
The amplifier reads the VIN from the PCI bus and sets itself to match the vehicle. The amplifier will send four beeps to the vehicle speakers at
ignition ON, if it does not read the VIN correctly. A replacement amplifier may beep at the first power up, but if these beeps are heard after the
first ignition ON, the DRB III should be used to verify the amplifier is connected to the PCI bus and that the VIN on the PCI bus is correct.
The amplifier, wiring to the speakers and the speakers work independently from the radio. The amplifier's microprocessor supports several
diagnostic functions. Tests can be run from the DRB III that will help in diagnosing audio system problems. The DRB III can display fault
messages when an input or output problem to the amplifier is detected. The amplifier can detect wiring shorts and suggest which wires are likely to
be shorted. The amplifier can send test signals that can be used to verify that the amplifier, speakers, and wiring to the speakers are operating
properly. The amplifier can also be used to test if the radio is sending audio signals to it. The DRB III can be used to verify the amplifier
equalization setting matches the vehicle, in case there is a sound quality complaint. Using the DRB III audio system diagnostics can determine the
nature of the problem.
Diagnostic Test The Amplifier Can Perform Through The DRB III:
Continuous Tone Test - This test will send a continuous tone to each speaker and will verify the integrity of an individual channel.
PCI Amplifier Test - This test will detect a PCI bus or checksum failure.
Input Test - This test will detect the activity on the amplifiers input channels from the radio.
Speaker Output Test - This test will detect the activity on the amplifiers output channels to the speakers.
