Instructions for How to Install Car Amps and Speakers

Instructions for Install Car Amps and Speakers

Car stereos, amplifiers and lots of speakers are aftermarket options which have grown extensively over the past few years. These can be a considerable expense for someone not satisfied with his vehicle's current sound system. The list of options available today is amazing. Many music artists have helped this sector grow by promoting large sound systems on the radio and in their music videos. Car audio is currently a billion dollar industry.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape
• Grommets

Instructions

1. Identify the amp's power cable size. Choose the correct grommet size for that cable. The grommet instructions will identify the size hole needed for the grommet. Drill a hole through the car's firewall and install the grommet. Push the power wire through the grommet into the passenger compartment. Route the cable back to the amp location and connect it to the amp's power terminal. The amp's ground wire can be connected to any solid metal part of the frame. Be sure to remove any paint at the connection point to ensure a good connection.

2. Remove the existing screws holding the trunk speakers in place and remove them. Install the new speaker units. Connect the positive and negative right rear speaker wires from the radio to the positive and negative right rear inputs on the amplifier. Repeat this process for the left rear speaker wires. These will be connected to the left rear inputs on the amplifier. Run speaker wire from the positive and negative right rear output of the amplifier to the right rear speaker. Connect the positive wire from the amplifier to the positive terminal of the speaker. Connect the negative wire from the amplifier to the negative terminal of the speaker. Repeat this process for the left rear speakers.

3. Remove the door cover if the door speakers are also being replaced. This may require a special tool for popping the door cover off. Remove the screws holding the existing speakers in place and replace the existing speakers. Connecting these speakers to the amp is the same as connecting the trunk speakers. The only difference is that the connection is made to the left front terminals and the right front terminals.

4. Run a remote wire from the amplifier remote terminal to a 12-volt switch within easy access while driving. Connect that wire to one side of the switch. The other side of the switch must be connected to a power source. If the wire is connected directly to the battery, the amp will run any time that the switch is on, regardless of whether or not the engine is on. This can run the battery down. This wire should be connected to a source in the car which will only run if the engine is running or the accessories are turned on. This can be the radio's power cable or the windshield wiper power cable. These are easiest to find at the fuse box. Do not completely cut the power cable. Strip off enough insulation to get a good connection. Connect the remote wire to the power cable and wrap it with electrical tape.

5. Connect the amp's main power cable to the positive terminal of the car battery. Start the car and test the system.

References

• Car Audio Help: How to Install a Car Amp