How to Install a Car Stereo & Subwoofers

Subwoofers add bass for a complete car sound system.

Car owners who wish to create a powerful car stereo system have various approaches from which to choose. The keys to a capable system are power and clarity. The usual arrangement of factory car stereos includes a slightly powered stereo head unit delivering a signal to speakers with a limited range. Higher-end systems have powerful stereo units and speakers capable of handling greater signal strength. To fashion your own powerful stereo sound system, swap the factory stereo for an aftermarket unit and include a subwoofer for a deeper, more complete-sounding car stereo.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Aftermarket stereo mounting collar
• Wiring harness adapter
• Speaker wire
• Stereo
• Subwoofers

Instructions

1. Disconnect the vehicle's grounding cable from the negative battery lead. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the cable clamp and move it to the side of the battery until the stereo and subwoofers have been installed.

2. Remove the factory stereo and disconnect the stereo wiring plugged into the outlets on the stereo's rear panel.

3. Insert a mounting sleeve or faceplate adapter into the vacant stereo mounting dock. Fold the retaining clips of the sleeve to secure it into the dock.

4. Connect the vehicle's stereo wiring to a wiring harness adapter. Plug the amplifier cables (signal and turn-on lead) into the corresponding lead of the wiring harness.

5. Plug the wiring harness leads into the outlets on the back of the new stereo.

6. Slide the aftermarket stereo into the mounting sleeve or faceplate adapter.

7. Locate the amplifier and connect speaker wires to both of the positive and negative outputs.

8. Place the subwoofers in the trunk or rear cargo area of the vehicle.

9. Route the speaker wiring from the location of the amp to the rear of the vehicle where the subwoofers are located.

10. Connect the speaker wire connected to the positive output on the amplifier to the positive input of the subwoofer.

11. Connect the speaker wire from the negative amplifier output to the negative input on the subwoofer.

12. Place the negative battery cable onto the negative battery terminal. Tighten the cable to the lead with the wrench.

References

• Crutchfield: Subwoofer Installation Guide
• Crutchfield: Car Stereo Installation Guide
• The Install Doctor