How to Hook Up a Car Subwoofer at Home

By dweaver

Hook Up a Car Subwoofer at Home Hook Up a Car Subwoofer at Home

Rate: (36 Ratings)

So the stock sound just doesn't do it for you anymore. No bump in your trunk? Your 50 Cent tracks sound like your listening to them in a tin can? Here's how to let people know just how much you like your tunes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • A Car
  • A Speaker box with the right size speakers
  • Car Audio Amplifier
  • Amplifier Power Cables
  • RCA Cables
  • Speaker Wire
  • Car Audio RCA Converter Kit
  • Remote Power Cable
  • Heat Shrink and Crimp Connectors
  • Crimping tool
  • A screw-driver
  • 1 roll of 22 guage speaker wire

Step1
Remove the vehicles stereo system per manufacturer instructions. Consult your owners manual for bolt locations, friction latch locations, etc.
Step2
If you're lucky enough to have a plug module to all of your speakers, etc. you can go to your local audio store and get a converter plug that will snap in between your stereo and the various outputs that will allow for RCA connections for auxiliary outputs. Some higher end models will have RCA built directly into the stereo. Either add the adapter kit or identify the "remote power" and "aux output" wires on the wiring bundle.
Step3
Remove the back seat of the car properly by removing any screws or bolts securing it and set it aside. Find the absolute center of back seat area, normally shaped by a hump in the middle of the car and pull back the carpeting all the way to the center console.
Step4
Run the red power wire and RCA cable under the carpet, the center console, and all the way to the opening where the stereo will be. Pull an extra 6 foot of the power cable as well. Be careful as you may need to remove part of the console screws to get access to the area. The other ends of the cables should go under the backs of the back seat and into the trunk area. A third, thinner cable like speaker wire will need to run this entire length as well. This can be the small 22 gauge wire.
Step5
Connect the small wire to the "remote power" feed by using the crimping tool and connectors. Plug the RCA Cable into the adaptor plugs for the "aux output".
Step6
Run the extra length of power cable under the dash and out of the fire wall. There are normally rubber grommets that allow access to the area without having to cut or drill anything. Open the hood and connect the power cable to the positive terminal of your battery. Make sure the connection is tight and that the other end of the cable is not touching metal at this time.
Step7
Use a small length of the 22 gauge wire to prepare to ground your amplifier to the chassis or body of the car. This will protect your equipment from shorting out and stop "engine whine" in your speakers when done properly. The other end of this wire will go into the trunk with your other wires.
Step8
Mount the amplifier onto the back of your speaker box. Add speaker wires to the outputs on the amp and run them into the box. Connect the wires in the proper fashion to the speakers and screw the speakers into the box. Your hardware should all be mounted now.
Step9
Connect the RCA Cables to the proper inputs on the amp. Connect the ground wire to the amp and then the remote power line. Finally connect the power line to the amplifier.
Step10
Test your system before replacing all of your parts. This will allow a visual check of all connections in the event there are sparks of any kind. Just sit in the seat and hold the stereo with the key on but the engine off. Once the system in on and you are comfortable THEN start your car. Check under the hood, in the trunk, and in the console area. Look for any obvious signs of problems.
Step11
Replace all of the key parts you removed to access areas of your car. Enjoy the new tunes.

Tips & Warnings

  • Every car is different. Be prepared to ask some questions of the local audio guy.
  • It's easy, just a little intimidating.
  • Larger amps require larger power outputs. Sometimes you may need a larger generator or alternator and even an extra battery or two.
  • Always check to ensure that modifications like this will not affect your cars warranty.
  • Never work on your cars electrical system unless you are absolutely comfortable with it.

Comments

| View All Comments
Flag This Comment

on 9/17/2007 Congrats on having this article picked as the winner for the "Top Written Requested How to Article!" Check out the forums and see which other winners we have this week. Check it out at:

http://www.ehow.com/community/forums/forum_1728_ehow-winners:-article-requests.aspx

-Rich

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Hook Up a Car Subwoofer at Home

eHow Member: dweaver

dweaver

Authority Authority | 9635 Points

Category: Cars

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads