How to Hook Up a Car Subwoofer at Home

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

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

1. 

   Remove the vehicles stereo system per manufacturer instructions. Consult your owners manual for bolt locations, friction latch locations, etc.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 

   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.

5. 

   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".

6. 

   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.

7. 

   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.

8. 

   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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 

    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.

[dweaver]

on 3/9/2009 I would just like to point out that the 22-gauge is for ground or speakers only. I in no way say to use it for power. I may have complicated the context a little and I apologize for that. Maybe, just maybe, I should be a little more detailed in the "What You Will Need" list. But it's still no grounds to call someone an idiot.

[bamared90]

on 2/24/2009 If you read it correctly it says use 22 gauge for the ground so don't listen to i4getlots the name explains a lot

[i4getlots]

on 2/22/2009 also step 10... you're gonna have a big problem when you turn on your system...22 gauge wire really?!?

[i4getlots]

on 2/22/2009 using 22 gauge speaker wire to power a whole system is not a good idea. the amount of amps running through the wire could cause the wire to heat up and melt. i suggest buying a amplifier wiring kit. also it is reccomended to keep the same gauge wire as your power wire for the ground wire. this is not teh best article. very detailed but not the best sorry

[L1onherd]

on 2/16/2009 great article