How to Install an Amp & Subwoofer
For those who desire a car stereo system that translates all range of sound powerfully through their speakers, the addition of an amplifier and a sub-woofer is a must. The amplifier takes the signal from the stereo unit and magnifies it to not only produce more volume, but sonic subtleties that make for a more complete experience. A sub-woofer, when coupled with the amplifier, allows for the lowest tones on the sonic spectrum to be presented as the musicians intended. You can choose to have an amp and sub-woofer installed in your vehicle at an aftermarket retailer, or you can do it yourself and save the cost of labor.
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Things You'll Need
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Amplifier wiring kit
- Wiring harness adapter
- Speaker wire
- Patch cables
- Drill
- Rubber grommet
Instructions
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1
Disconnect the grounding cable from the vehicle's negative battery lead. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the cable's clamp and remove the clamp from the lead until the installation if complete.
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2
Connect the amplifier ring terminal (from the amplifier wiring kit) to the battery's positive lead. Route the power cable from the ring terminal to the inside of the vehicle's cabin. Drill an opening from the engine compartment, through the firewall, to the cabin. Place a rubber grommet in the new opening to protect the cable.
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3
Remove the vehicle's stereo. Specific procedures vary. Consult the vehicle owner's manual for exact instructions. Pull the stereo from the dash far enough to disconnect the wire groups connected to the rear of the unit. Pull the wire groups from the stereo by the plastic wire binders. Connect the wire groups to a wiring harness adapter. Connect the wire harness adapter to the stereo.
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4
Connect the turn-on lead and signal cables (included in the amp wiring kit) to the wiring harness adapter. Route the cables from the stereo to the floor of the vehicle. Use a trim panel removal tool to remove the panels at the doorways that secure the carpeting to the floor of the vehicle. Run the cables from the stereo (beneath the carpet) to the trunk of the vehicle, or the rear cargo area of an SUV or hatchback. Run the amplifier power cable from the battery, through the firewall, to the location of the amplifier. Make sure the signal cable and power supply cable are routed on opposite sides of the vehicle to avoid interference.
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5
Replace the stereo into the dash of the vehicle. Consult the vehicle owner's manual for instructions. Replace the panelling that secures the carpeting to the floor of the veicle. The panels can be replaced by hand with a medium amount of force.
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6
Connect the signal cable, the turn-on lead, and the power supply cable to the amplifier. Run speaker wire from the amplifier to the sub-woofer and to the other speakers you wish to have amplified. use the path established by the rear speakers for the new wiring.
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Connect the grounding wire (from the amp wiring kit) from the amp to a bolt in the truck or rear cargo area of an SUV or hatchback. Any location will suffice, provided that the bolt chosen is directly connected to the frame of the vehicle for proper grounding.
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8
Replace the grounding cable clamp around the negative battery lead. Tighten the clamp with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
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Tips & Warnings
Mount the amplifier in the rear cargo area or trunk of the vehicle for easiest connection to the sub-woofer. You can also mount an amplifier beneath a seat or behind the rearward-most seat in a pick-up truck. Amplifiers need proper ventilation, so place plastic spacers beneath the amp if you choose to mount it beneath a seat.
Sub-woofers need to be mounted in the trunk or rear cargo area, with the exception of slim-profile subs that can be mounted beneath the seat of certain larger vehicles, or behind the rearward-most seat of a pick-up truck.
Make sure the output of the new amp is within the acceptable range of the vehicles speakers to prevent speaker damage.
