How to Test Subs: A Guide to Checking if Your Sub is Bad

If your sub has stopped playing or you’re not sure if it’s working properly, it’s important to test it before assuming the worst. Testing your sub can help you identify any issues and decide whether it’s time to replace it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to test subs using a multimeter.

The first step is to set your multimeter to the Omega symbol, which represents continuity resistance impedance. If your meter reads “Oh L,” it means that the circuit is broken and there’s no complete circuit for the sub. This is why it’s important to test it first. Ensure that the test leads are good by holding them together to close the circuit.

Next, take one of the test leads and touch it to the positive terminal of the sub. Take the other test lead and touch it to the negative terminal of the sub. If your sub is a speaker wire, it’s important to ensure that you don’t have any big marks connected that could add more resistance. You’ll want to read what the sub is supposed to be, which is typically around four ohms.

If the reading is anything other than four ohms, it may indicate that you have a bad sub. For example, if it reads two ohms or anything other than four, it’s likely that the coil is almost gone or gone completely.

You can use this method to test any speaker, whether it’s a six by nine, six-five, six and three-quarters, or five-quarters. Simply measure across the positive and negative terminals, and it doesn’t matter which lead is on which. If the reading doesn’t match the specs or is anything other than what it should be, it may be time to replace the speaker.

In conclusion, testing your sub using a multimeter is an easy and effective way to determine whether it’s working properly or if it’s time to replace it. By checking the resistance and impedance, you can identify any issues and ensure that your sound system is working at its best.