how to install an amp in a car with factory radio

Sound can be so much more than just an auditory experience. With the right subwoofer, your stereo will reverberate with deep, captivating bass. Here are some steps on how to install a powered subwoofer to a factory stereo. Your car's sound system may already produce a rich bass sound. But with a powered subwoofer, you'll create an even more immersive experience.

How To Install A Powered Subwoofer To a Factory Stereo

Tools needed

To successfully install a powered subwoofer to a factory stereo you'd need the following tool:

A toolbox
Subwoofer box
Amplifier
Wiring kit
Screws
RCA cables
50 amps inline fuse
Speaker wires

Step 1: Place the sub in your vehicle

Your sub's built-in amplifier generates heat so you need to position it in an area of your vehicle with adequate ventilation and easy access.

Step 2: Disconnect your battery

How To Install A Powered Subwoofer To A Factory Stereo

Make sure that the car is switched off and your keys are removed. To avoid damage or short circuits, it is important to disconnect the battery.

It is important to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery in order to avoid any type of accident. You and your vehicle are protected from any dangerous occurrences by disconnecting the negative battery terminal.

It's very easy. Simply open your car's hood and find the battery. Carefully remove the black, negatively charged cable. After you have separated the black cable, you can proceed to install your car subwoofer.

Step 3: Run your amp wire

You can run the power cable to the battery from most vehicles through the firewall. It clearly delimits the main cabin from that of the engine compartment. Slip the power cable underneath the carpet of your vehicle or the trim panels when you enter the cabin. This will allow you to get to the location of your subwoofer. Only slip one side of the carpet.

Other cases have the fuse assembly assembled, while in others it doesn't. If you have an unassembled fuse to use, a piece of power cable should be cut with enough length to reach the fuse holder. After stripping the insulation from both ends, attach the fuse holder to one side and crimp the terminal rings to the opposite. The fuse should be mounted close to the battery in order to prevent short circuits.

Step 4: Run the turn-on wire and signal cables

First, make sure that the stereo's turn-on and RCA cables are properly connected. The turn-on wire should not be run next to the power cable. They should be run on the opposite side of your car from the power wire. This helps eliminate the possibility of electrical noises entering your system and causing damage to the sound produced. The RCA cables should be connected to the respective RCA outputs of the stereo, while the remote turn-on wire (blue) should be connected to the stereo's wiring harness.

This is only applicable to aftermarket stereos with preamp outputs. A Line Output Converter (LOC), is required for factory stereos without preamp outputs. The LOC converts high-level amplified signals into RCA preamp-level signals.

You can also use factory stereos by tapping directly into the speaker wires behind the stereo or the rear deck speakers. The signal can be transferred to the sub-powered amp in any way.

Step 5: Set up a ground wire

It is simple to set up a ground wire. Just follow these steps. The ground wire can be connected to your car's chassis or another nearby component. This is a crucial step in installing a subwoofer powered to a factory stereo.

To ensure that the wire is properly secured, you must make sure that a bolt has been used. To work properly, the ground wire must be connected to the car's naked metallic parts. Remove any paint or plastic and attach the ground wire securely.

After you have connected the ground wire, it's time to install the subwoofer.

Step 6: Make the wiring connections

Connect the power cable to the battery, i.e. reconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Before you test the amp, turn it all the way down. Also, the subwoofer must be turned on when you start your vehicle.

Step 7: Listen to the music

Once all is said and done, turn on your favorite music and set your gains. Get ready to have an amazing experience.

Safety Tips and Reminders

You should be careful when installing a subwoofer into a factory stereo.

Insulator gloves are recommended. These gloves protect your hands from electric surges. This will ensure you aren't electrocuted in the event of an accident during installation.

Avoid water. Our safety and health officers recommend that you avoid water sources as you will be working with wires and electricity. Water is a strong conductor of electricity and can cause damage to your subwoofers. It can also cause electrocution.

Make sure to put in the ground wire. Electronic devices can still be used without ground cables, provided that all elements are present. However, a ground wire provides greater protection against fire and overheating.

Why should you install a powered sub?

To deliver high-quality sound with crisp and clear bass, a powered subwoofer connects to the factory stereo. The bass system consists of a speaker driver and amplifier as well as a modified enclosure.

Using powered subwoofers can optimize bass effects while retaining the factory controls of your car's stereo system.

Conclusion

These steps above can help you find it easier to install a powered subwoofer to the factory stereo. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the audio-related blogs, feel free to contact us at hookeaudio.com