How to Install Crossovers in a Car Stereo System
Crossovers are usually the trappings of a high-end custom car stereo system. Serious audiophiles covet the control and precision of crossovers in that they direct the signal from the stereo to the most appropriate speaker or speaker group. Low tones are best played through larger speakers such as subwoofers, while higher tones are best interpreted by small speakers, like tweeters. Crossovers give users the ability to direct the tones to the appropriate speaker, making for a clearer and more efficient sound system. Installing crossovers is an easy process for even the most inexperienced user.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Speaker wire
- Crossovers
- Flat tools for removing speaker covers
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Speaker harnesses
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the covering over the speakers in your vehicle. Consult your vehicle's repair manual for correct procedures.
-
2
Disconnect the speaker wiring from the outlets on the back of the speakers.
-
-
3
Plug the speaker wires coming from the stereo unit into the inputs on the crossover. Run speaker wiring from the crossover to the speaker. Use a speaker harness to connect the speaker wire if your speaker does not directly accept the speaker wires. The speaker harness will accept the speaker wires and connect to the speaker using a plastic connection lead.
-
4
Conceal the crossovers in the door panels of your vehicle. The location for mounting the crossover varies. You can choose to mount the crossover between the door panel and the door, in the rear of the vehicle (trunk or rear cargo area) or in the glove compartment. Choose the location that best works for the speaker arrangement of your vehicle. Consult the vehicle repair manual for procedures on removing the panels.
-
5
Make changes to the crossovers to adjust for the signal you wish to designate for the corresponding speakers.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use one crossover for the subwoofers, regardless of how many are included in your vehicle's stereo system. Use separate crossovers for the door speakers. You can use a single crossover for each side of the vehicle to include door panel speakers (front and rear) as well as rear deck speakers since they are usually of similar makeup and would handle similar tones.
