How to Connect Subwoofers to a Stock Deck
Subwoofers add bass to a car audio system, making for a well-rounded stereo. If you wish to fashion the fullest sound possible, there are no panel speakers that provide the power that subwoofers can provide. When adding subwoofers to a stock (or factory) stereo deck, you need to either add powered subs or have an amplifier already a part of your system. Whichever way you choose to go, you can bypass the services of an audio technician and install the subwoofers yourself.
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Things You'll Need
- Amplifier wiring kit
- Wiring harness adapter
- Phillips screwdriver
- Trim panel removal tool
- Drill
- Rubber grommets
- Speaker wire
- 10 millimeter wrench
Instructions
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Adding Powered Subwoofers
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1
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the vehicle's battery. Use a Phillips screwdriver or 10-millimeter wrench to loosen the cable's clamp. Remove the clamp from the negative battery lead.
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2
Attach the ring terminal with power supply cable attached (from the amplifier wiring kit) to the positive battery lead.
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3
Route the power supply cable from the engine compartment to the inner cabin of the vehicle. Some vehicles have an opening already in place through which you can route the cable. If your vehicle does not have an opening, drill an opening and place a rubber grommet in the hole to protect the cable.
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4
Remove the vehicle's stereo from the dash. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for specific removal instructions for your vehicle. Pull the stereo far enough from the dash to reach the wiring in the back of the deck.
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5
Disconnect the wiring from the back of the stereo. There are single cables (power supply and antenna) as well as grouped wiring (speakers). Pull the cables and the groups by the white plastic binders.
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6
Connect the stereo wiring from the vehicle to a wiring harness adapter. The adapter will be clearly marked to show where the appropriate connections are to be made. Connect the wiring harness leads to the stock stereo.
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7
Connect the signal cable and turn-on lead (included in the amp wiring kit) to the wiring harness adapter. Route the signal and turn-on lead cables through the back of the stereo dock to the floor of the vehicle.
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8
Lift the carpeting from the floor of the vehicle using the trim panel removal tool. Route the cables from the stereo and the power supply from the battery beneath the carpeting to the rear of the vehicle. Route the signal cable and power supply cable on opposite sides of the vehicle to prevent interference.
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9
Place the powered sub in the trunk of the vehicle. Connect the grounding wire (amp wiring kit) from the sub to a bolt in the trunk. You may need to lift a section of the carpeting to find a bolt connected directly to the frame of the vehicle.
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10
Connect the signal cable, turn-on lead and power supply cable to the sub.
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11
Replace the stereo into the dash of the vehicle.
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12
Place the negative battery cable around the battery's negative lead post. Tighten the cable's clamp around the lead with a Phillips screwdriver or 10-millimeter wrench.
Connecting Non-powered Subwoofers.
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13
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative battery lead.
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14
Place the subwoofers in the rear cargo area of the SUV, or the trunk of the car.
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15
Connect the amplifier to the subs in a parallel circuit arrangement. A parallel circuit means connecting (via speaker wire) the negative output of the amp to the negative input on the first sub. Connect the positive output to the positive input on the first sub.
Connect the negative inputs of both subs together (via speaker wire). Connect the positive inputs of both subs together (also via speaker wire).
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16
Replace the negative battery cable around the negative battery lead. Tighten the cable's clamp with a Phillips screwdriver or 10-millimeter wrench.
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1
Tips & Warnings
To add non-powered subs, you need to have an amplifier already included in your system. To add an amplifier (should you choose to install non-powered subs and do not have an amp already installed), install the amplifier as described for the powered subwoofers in the first section. Instead of making the connections to the powered sub, follow the procedures substituting an amp for the powered sub.
