Directions for Installing a Subwoofer and Amp
Car audio enthusiasts will find the power and clarity he or she desires by installing a subwoofer and amplifier. The subwoofer adds bass to the sound system, while the amplifier provides a stronger stereo signal to power the subwoofer. An amplifier also aids in making sound from other speakers in the vehicle clearer and louder. Make sure to use an amplifier that will produce a signal acceptable to your vehicle's stock speakers, as well as the subwoofer you intend to include.
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Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Amplifier wiring kit
- Patch cables
- Speaker wire
- Drill (optional)
- 14 mm drill bit (optional)
- Rubber grommet (optional)
Instructions
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1
Open the vehicle's hood to access the battery.
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2
Loosen the bolts holding each battery cable to their respective battery terminals.
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3
Lift the negative cable's clamp from the negative battery lead post. The negative battery cable is black and connects the negative battery terminal (marked with a minus sign) to the frame of the vehicle for grounding. Keep the cable from the battery until the amp and subwoofer are installed.
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4
Lift the battery cable connected to the positive battery post from the terminal. Place the ring terminal from an amplifier wiring kit onto the positive battery post. Return the positive battery cable clamp to the post and tighten the bolt that secures the clamp.
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5
Remove the fuse from the ring terminal's fuse holder. Plug the 16-gauge power supply cable (included in the amp wiring kit) into the ring terminal.
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6
Feed the power cable through the vehicle's firewall and into the inner cabin. Use an established path from the engine compartment to the inside of the vehicle or create one with a drill and 14-millimeter drill bit. Place a rubber grommet in the new opening to protect the power cable.
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7
Remove the factory stereo. Consult the vehicle's repair manual for removal instructions.
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8
Unplug the stereo wiring from the back of the stereo deck and leave the antenna cable connected.
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9
Plug the vehicle's stereo wiring connectors into the leads of the wiring harness adapter. Plug the wiring harness adapter leads into the corresponding outlets on the stereo's back panel.
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10
Plug the patch cables into the wiring harness adapter. See the adapter's manual for appropriate connection points for amplifier wiring.
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11
Route the patch cables through the back of the stereo dock and onto the vehicle's floor.
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12
Replace the stereo into the vehicle's stereo dock. See the repair manual for specific instructions to re-install the stereo.
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13
Run the power supply cable from the foot-well of the vehicle to the trunk or rear cargo area. Consult the vehicle's repair manual for ways to lift the vehicle's carpeting to conceal the wiring along its path toward the back of the vehicle.
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14
Run the patch cables from the passenger's foot well to the back of the vehicle. Lay the cables on the opposite side of the vehicle to avoid interference from the power cable.
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15
Set up the amplifier and subwoofer in the trunk or rear cargo area. There isn't a specific location demanded for mounting an amp or subwoofer in the trunk or rear cargo area.
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16
Plug the power cable into the power input on the amplifier. Insert the grounding wire from the amp wiring kit into the grounding input next to the power input. Connect the grounding wire to a screw or bolt in the trunk. Choose a screw or bolt that is less than 18 inches away from the amp and directly connected to the frame of the vehicle for proper grounding.
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17
Connect speaker wires to the positive and negative outputs on the amplifier. Connect the speaker wires to the corresponding inputs on the subwoofer.
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18
Place the negative battery cable's clamp back around the negative battery terminal. Tighten the bolt on the clamp to secure the cable to the post.
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19
Replace the fuse into the fuse holder on the ring terminal.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be sure to consult the vehicle's repair manual before beginning installation. You may need specific tools for some of the procedure such as a trim panel tool for lifting carpeting.
References
- Photo Credit speaker element image by bright from Fotolia.com
