DIY Amp Kits
An amplifier wiring kit is an essential component for installing an aftermarket amplifier or powered subwoofer. The kit includes wiring to establish the independent power source needed to power each component. The included patch cables allow you to connect the signal source of the head unit to the amp. You can choose to have the amp kit installed by a professional during the amp installation or you can do it all yourself without previous car audio experience. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wrench or pliers
- Amplifier wiring kit (including power cable, ring terminal and patch cables)
- Drill
- Rubber grommet
- Vehicle shop manual
- Trim panel removal tool
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Open the vehicle's hood. Locate the battery terminals on the top of the battery. Remove any rubber coverings that may conceal the battery connections. Loosen the bolts holding each individual battery cable to the battery terminals with a wrench or pair of pliers.
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2
Lift the battery cables from the terminals. Place the black cable (negative) to the side of the battery, away from the terminal. Place the ring terminal from the amp kit onto the positive battery terminal. Replace the positive battery cable (commonly red) onto the positive battery terminal post, over the ring terminal. Tighten the bolt on the positive battery cable clamp with the wrench or pair of pliers.
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3
Insert the power supply cable into the input on the end of the ring terminal opposite the battery terminal clamp. The power supply provides the independent power source for the amplifier.
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4
Remove the fuse from the fuse holder on the side of the ring terminal. Keep the fuse safe for reinsertion as a final step after the amplifier is connected.
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5
Drill a hole in the lower-right side of the vehicle's firewall with a drill bit two gauge sizes larger than the size of the amp kit's power supply cable. Place a rubber grommet into the opening to protect the enamel around the power cable.
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6
Feed the power supply cable through the new opening in the firewall and into the cabin of the vehicle. The cable will emerge in the foot-well on the driver's side of the interior cabin. Move to the inside of the vehicle.
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7
Remove the vehicle's stereo deck from the dashboard mounting dock. Consult your vehicle's shop manual for procedures specific to your make and model. Common tools for stereo removal include a trim panel removal tool and screwdrivers. Disconnect the stereo wiring connectors from the outlets on the back of the unit once it is free from the stereo dock.
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8
Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the wiring harness adapter leads. The wiring harness will allow you to connect the amplifier wiring to the stereo regardless of the stereo make or wiring outlet array on the back of the unit. Plug the wiring harness adapter connectors into the outlets on the rear panel of the head unit.
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9
Connect the amp kit patch cable's connectors to the available wiring harness adapter leads. Feed the patch cables through the back of the vehicle's stereo dock. Locate the path from the dock to the floor of the vehicle on the passenger's side.
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10
Slide the stereo back into the vehicle's stereo mounting dock. Replace the dashboard panels that you removed to take the unit from the dock. See the shop manual for precise instructions.
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Feed the patch cables along the passenger's side of the vehicle to the location you have chosen to mount the amplifier. Route the power supply cable along the driver's side to keep the signal and power cables separate. Tuck the cables into the vehicle's interior side panels with the trim panel tool.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the power and signal cables separate to prevent interference. Route the power supply cable and patch cables along opposite sides of the vehicle until they reach the location of the amplifier or powered subwoofer.
