amp is on, but the subs dont work

it doesn't matter what the settings on the amp are right now.. (it worked with the portable remember?) .. the problem is with the signal coming INTO the amp. so it's either in the rca's or the deck itself..

try jacking your portable player into the rca's using some barrel connectors. so now the signal should go like this..

portable player --> mini-to-rca cable --> barrel connectors --> your already-run rca's --> your amp

if this works, your deck is the issue. if the above does not work , try the following..

take an extra set and just run them thru the interior and plug them in. no need hiding them right now as you're only using them for testing.. if the new cable works, then install it properly and yank the bad set.

hope this helps :)

Hmm, not sure what yu were reading, but if you read "30 to 40" ohms from one end of the cable to the other, then the cable is bad.  You should be able to use your deck with subs.  As has been said, if the subwoofers came on with a different input then there is simply something wrong with the cable or the deck.  Try a new set of cables first.

As far as settings on your amp, try this: subsonic filter OFF, LP filter ON and set to 80-100Hz.  Phase at 0, Bass EQ off or at zero.  Make sure your input gain is set correctly as well.

for the record, i have seen many issues with rf rca cables.. couldn't tell you how many times i've had to open a new package cuz the ones i was installing had a crap connection (i work at best buy.. )

it wasn't so common on the clear-jacketed cables they used to use, but these new fabric covered ones blow. very weak connections in the head of the rca that fall apart under any strain. it's gotten so bad that i check them on the test bench before i even think of running them in the car.. and even then i pray that i didn't put too much pressure on them when i was running them. makes me want to slap a fosgate exec in the face.. their build quality has been steadily slipping over the years. figure another couple years we'll be seeing them in walmart with all the other crap

edit.. and by the way, those barrel connections shouldn't cost more than like 2-3 bucks. not a bad thing to keep in your toolbox along with that mini-to-rca cable.. i even keep an old md player in my box that i use just for testing stuff like this