How to wire an amp to a sub and head unit
Everyone likes to listen to music in the car. However, unless you paid extra for an upgrade, your vehicle probably came with a factory grade stereo and speakers. Adding a set of subwoofers can make a big difference in the way your music sounds in the car. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Amps
- Subs
- Stereo
- Wiring
- Socket Set
- Screwdriver
- Hex Key Set
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Instructions
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Run the wires to your amp. Begin with the power wire (the red one). Figure out where you are going to place the amp and start there. Leave about one extra foot at the amp and continue towards the battery, hiding the wire as you go. You will need to go through the fire wall. If there is not already a place to go through it, be sure that when you drill you do not hit anything on the other side of the wall. Once you are under the hood, be sure you keep the wire free of any moving parts.
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Remove the positive cable from the vehicle’s battery and attach the red wire to it. Leave it detached from the battery. Be sure that the red wire has an inline fuse. If it does not, you will need to purchase one and install it.
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Place the amp where you have decided you want it to be. Once you have it in place, attach the ground wire (the black one) to the amp and find a close place to ground it. One of the bolts that holds the car’s seat in place works well. It doesn’t matter where you ground it as long as it is bare metal.
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Run the RCA wires from the back of the stereo to your amp.
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On the back of your stereo there should be a blue wire. That is your remote wire and you will want to run it directly to your amp
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Attach the power wire to your amp.
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Run the wires from your subs to your amp and reconnect your battery.
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Be sure your turn the gain all the way down before you attempt to play anything through the stereo. Once you have the stereo on, adjust the sound to a comfortable and enjoyable level.
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Tips & Warnings
If your amp does not turn on, check to be sure that you reattached your battery cable. If that does not solve your problem, check your inline fuses.
For better sound, try soldering your power and ground connectors to the wires. This will reduce resistance from the circuit and give you a cleaner output.
When working with your car’s battery, or any other form of electricity, use extreme caution. Mistakes can lead to serious injury or death.
