Author: beerman
De Car Audio Forum
Safety First! Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery during this process.
Where does the amplifier go?
This is the first consideration when you install your amplifier(s). Most people mount the amplifier in the trunk for esthetic and safety reasons. You should also consider the maintenance of your car when installing a car amplifier in the trunk. Too often, people install systems that make replacing the fuel pump or taillight bulbs difficult. Keep in mind that mechanics charge by the hour for labor.
Wiring
You’ll need to run wires to and from the amp for three reasons:
Power and Ground
Signal
Speakers
Power
The first wire you should run is from the battery to the trunk. Install a fuse on this wire less than 18″ from the battery terminal. If something happens, the fuse will blow close to the battery before anything can happen. The fuse holder can he installed on the driver’s side strut tower.
You’ll need to run the wire into the passenger compartment. For this, you need an unused “grommet”, which is just a fancy word for plug. You might find a large grommet and poke another hole in it. As a last resort, you might have to drill the firewall of your car and install an aftermarket grommet.
Now that the wire’s inside the car, you should run it under the carpet. Once you pull up the trim pieces, the carpet should scoot out of the way pretty easily.
You still need to snake this cable into the trunk, but the backseat is in the way. Many cars have different methods of installing/removing rear seats. You’ll most likely have to remove the seat and re-install it after you’ve installed wires. Consult a repair manual for seat removal instructions.
Signal
Remove the head unit from the dash. You’ll be connecting not only the RCA, but also the remote turn on lead. Connect the remote turn on and run it alongside the power wire on the driver’s side all the way into the trunk. Replace the driver’s side carpet and panel. The RCA cables should run down the passenger side.
Speaker wires
For front speakers, run the wire alongside the RCA cables on the passenger side (for front speakers) and then to each speaker. Rear speakers are most likely in the rear deck, so run them from the amp to the rear deck.
Ground
Use a self-tapping sheetmetal screw and drill through the metal on the backside of the seat or into a part of the trunk floor NOT IN CONTACT with the gas tank. Remove the screw, and grind off any paint around this area. You want a conductive connection to the chassis. Drill the screw back into the hole you created, this time with the ground wire attached. Use some silicone sealant to seal up the bare paint area to prevent rust.
Connect the Power and RCAs, then reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Test
Re-install the head unit and play some music, making sure everything is connected properly.
Have Fun with your newly installed amplifier!
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