Listening to music can be crazy fun but installing a subwoofer inside the car isn’t. Moreover, when you deal with a built-in amp, it can be a little too dramatic. Well, no worries as we are here! We’ll tell you how to install a subwoofer with built-in amp!
Steps to Install a Subwoofer with Built-in Amp
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Step 1: Take off the Fuse
As we are here to install a subwoofer with a built-in amp, first of all, you have to take the hood of the vehicle up and get your hands on the battery. Check the grounding cable and disconnect it. Then, go for the amplifier wiring kit and connect the ring terminal.
There will be a bolt that will hold the grounding cable to the negative battery lead of your car. All you need is to loosen it! For this job, have faith in an adjustable wrench or simple pliers. Hold the cable and take it away from the load.
Now, your work is to take off the bolt from the positive lead. And then, attach it with the ring terminal. It’s time to replace the bolt now. After that, go through the ring terminal’s fuse holder and take off the fuse.
Step 2: Get the Cable Inside
If you want to get ideas about how to connect a subwoofer to a car stereo without an amp, the process isn’t easy too! But then again, with amp, you have to do an extra job! Once you are done with the fuse, you have to check the amp wiring kit and get a hold of the power cable.
Attach it to the ring terminal now. After this, you have to make way for the cable to get inside the vehicle. Go through the opening in the firewall and get it to the interior of the vehicle.
Step 3: Take off the Stereo
In this step, you have to take off the stereo from the car’s dashboard. However, this process will depend on what car you are using. For this, the first thing you need is to take off the dash panels which are covering the stereo mounting dock.
Then, take off the panels with the help of trim panel removal. Removing the screws or bolts with the screwdriver is the next job. The bolts will hold the stereo and keep it stable into the stereo mounting bracket. Removing them will help you get access. Check the owner’s manual as we said; there might be differences among the cars.
Step 4: Check the Wiring Harness Adapter
Get your hands on the stereo wiring now. Disconnect it from the stereo’s back. It’s time to add get a wiring harness adapter and then add the wiring to this. Go through the back of your stereo now. Here, you have to plug in the wiring harness adapter.
With this, you will get a universal platform so that you can add aftermarket amplifier wiring working with the powered subwoofers.
Step 5: Connect the Cables to the Sub
The work of the patch cables is carrying the stereo signal from your radio. However, it also gives necessary instruction to the sub when it’s time to power it on. In this step, you have to plug the patch cables.
To do this, get your hands on the amp wiring kit and then on the wiring harness adapters free leads. It’s time to join them! Take the patch cables right through the stereo mounting dock’s backside. You have to connect the cables to the sub. It will go right from the floor area of your car.
Step 6: Get it Under the Carpet
Here, you have to change the stereo into the dashboard of your car. You won’t need to access the stereo wiring anymore. Now, get a hold of the battery’s power cable and the stereos patch cables.
Take them both to the powered sub. The trunk or the rear cargo will be the location of mounting mostly. Get the cables underneath the carpet of your car and make way to the back of your vehicle. After routing the powered sub, replace the carpet.
Step 7: Plug in the Outlets of the Sub
Now, it’s time to check the subs. You have to go through the power cable now and get it into the power outlet. Plug it on the subwoofer. Once you have done it, you have to check the patch cables. Once again, just like you did before, you have to plug them. For this, you will need the right outlets on the subwoofer. Check them and connect them for plugging in.
Step 8: Add Wire to Vehicle’s Frame
So, you have plugged them in already. It’s time for you to go through the wiring kit and get your hands on the grounding wire. Once you get them, all you need is to add them to the subwoofer. After this connection is done, your job is to go for the grounding wire.
You have to add this wire to the vehicle’s frame. For this job, you have to settle for a screw or a bolt. With this, you can add it perfectly without any chance of dropping it.
Step 9: Cover it and Test
You are almost done with the job! You have successfully added the grounding wire to the frame of your car! In this last step, you have to search for a cable clamp. Hold the grounding cable clamp and position it onto the battery’s negative lead post. When you are done, search for the right screw. You have to add the bolt there first. On the cable’s clamp, screw the bolt.
Settle for a clockwise motion. You have to tighten the clamp. Certify that it is secured around the lead post. The last job is to get a hold of the fuse holder and replace the fuse. Cover with the hood once again and test the subwoofer if it works or not!
Wrap Up
Yes, with the subwoofers that have a built-in amp, it can be a difficult job for you to add them inside your vehicle. But just imagine how much fun you will have with the amazing music every day on your way to work! And if it’s tough, hire a professional- that’s all!