How to Hook Up a Pioneer Amp to a Kenwood Stereo
Adding an amplifier to a car stereo system will boost the signal from the stereo deck to the speakers, delivering a more powerful sound. Oftentimes, the stereo deck that more closely meets the needs of the vehicle owner and the amplifier that delivers the signal strength that they desire are manufactured by different companies. For audio enthusiasts who have a Kenwood stereo deck and wish to connect it to a Pioneer amplifier, the task can be performed with little car audio experience.
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Things You'll Need
- Amplifier wiring kit
- Drill
- Rubber grommet
- Trim panel removal tools
- Wiring harness adapter
Instructions
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1
Disconnect the vehicle's grounding cable from the battery's negative lead post. The grounding cable connects the vehicle's battery to the frame or chassis of the vehicle. Use a Phillips head screwdriver or 10-millimeter wrench to loosen the cable's clamp. Remove the clamp from the negative lead post and rest it away from the post until the installation is complete.
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2
Connect the ring terminal (with power cable attached; part of the amplifier wiring kit) to the positive lead of the vehicle's battery. Drill an opening in the firewall of the engine compartment to the inner cabin of the vehicle. Place a rubber grommet in the new opening to protect the power cable.
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3
Run the power cable from the ring terminal, through the new opening in the firewall, into the cabin. Run the cable to the trunk or rear cargo area of the vehicle. Use a trim panel removal tool to remove the panel trim along the doorway openings. Run the power cable beneath the carpet and replace the trim panels by hand, securing the carpeting back to the floor of the vehicle.
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4
Remove the Kenwood stereo from the vehicle's dash. Specific procedures vary among vehicles. Consult your vehicle's owner manual for instructions. Pull the Kenwood deck far enough from the dash to access the wiring connections in the rear. Pull the wire groups from the back of the stereo by the wire grouping binders.
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5
Connect the wire groups from the vehicle to the wiring harness adapter. Connect the wiring harness adapter leads to the Kenwood unit.
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6
Connect the signal cable and the turn-on lead (from the amp wiring kit) to the wiring harness adapter. Route the cables to the rear cargo area or trunk of the vehicle, beneath the carpeting, on the opposite side of the vehicle as the power supply cable from the battery.
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7
Replace the Kenwood deck into the dash of the vehicle. The vehicle's owner manual will provide instruction.
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8
Connect the turn-on lead, signal cable and power supply cable to the amplifier.
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9
Connect the grounding wire (amp wiring kit) from the amplifier to a bolt in the trunk or cargo area. Any bolt directly connected to the vehicle's frame will suffice.
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10
Replace the grounding cable to the negative battery lead. Tighten the clamp with a 10-millimeter wrench or Phillips head screwdriver.
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Tips & Warnings
The signal cable and power supply cable should not be routed on the same side of the vehicle to prevent interference. The turn-on lead can be routed on either side, but it is easier to route it with the signal cable since they originate from the same position in the vehicle.
The cables will run beneath the carpet on either side of the vehicle from the front of the cabin to the rear of the vehicle (either trunk or rear cargo area for hatchbacks, wagons or SUVs).
