How To Instal Subs In A Car

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If the music coming out of your sound arrangement seems weak and unimpressive, you may need subwoofers. Subwoofers are speakers that play low-pitched sounds called bass and sub-bass. Wiring one into an existing system isn't as tricky as it first seems. Subwoofers require a lot of power, so they accept to be wired to both a power source, like a car'south battery, and an amplifier. After connecting them to the stereo speakers, run a split up wire to a ground source, such as an exposed metal bolt, for safety. Once all the wires are in place, turn on your audio arrangement to enjoy the boost subwoofers provide to music.

1. i

   Go a wiring kit with all the supplies needed for the installation. Your subwoofers don't come with wiring, so you have to buy information technology on your own. The easiest way to do this is to shop for wiring kits. The kit should include several different types of wires over sixteen ft (4.9 yard) long and some connectors to use during the wiring process. For the installation, you need:^[one]

   • A twenty ft (vi.1 m) ability wire.
   • A basis wire at least 3 ft (0.91 m) long.
   • A fifteen ft (4.six 1000) RCA wire with both red and white connectors.
   • A xv ft (4.vi m) blue remote wire.
   • Speaker wire, which can besides be bought separately.
   • A 50-amp in-line fuse and fuse holder.
   • Crimp band terminals for connecting the wires.
   • A plastic crimp connector for the remote wire.

2. 2

   Pick a stable, well-ventilated spot for the subwoofers. Many people choose to put subwoofers in the torso since information technology is an open up and accessible area. It provides enough of room for the subwoofer while likewise leaving infinite for the amp right next to it. Your sound organisation volition produce heat, so the additional infinite helps it last longer by keeping it ventilated. You may also exist able to fit the subwoofers underneath the driver's seat or in some other location.^[2]

   • Notation that, for the best audio quality, the amplifier should be every bit shut to the subwoofers as possible. Some subwoofer systems include a built-in amp, making this less of a problem.

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3. 3

   Disconnect the auto's battery before starting. Close off your car using the cardinal in the ignition, then pop open the hood. Locate the battery, which will look like a foursquare box with a carmine and blackness cable connected to a pair of metal prongs on top of it. These cables are held in place by a pair of metallic nuts. Turn them counterclockwise using a regular wrench or a similarly-sized socket wrench.^[iii]

   • Disconnecting the battery deactivates all electrical systems, making the wires rubber to touch on. You tin can leave the battery in the vehicle, just make sure the red cable doesn't come up into contact with bare metallic.
   • Inspect the battery before touching it. If you notice corrosion, put on rubber gloves and prophylactic goggles.

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1. 1

   Find an opening in the firewall to feed the power wire through. The firewall is the metal frame separating the engine compartment from the rest of the automobile. Even though it looks enclosed, it will have an opening for yous to employ when wiring the subwoofers. This opening is tiny, and so it tin be hard to run into. Shine a lite down from in a higher place the engine bay to try and spot the opening.^[4]

   • Many cars have an opening nearly the glovebox on the rider side. Y'all can besides get into the automobile and await for the opening there.
   • If you don't encounter an opening, y'all may be able to make a hole with a sharp knife or drill fitted with a steel bit. Exist careful to avoid cutting any wires.

2. 2

   Run the power cable from the battery to the subwoofer. The power cable is often the longest wire in a wire kit and is colored red, but brand sure to check the labeling. Lower the wire down into the engine compartment and through the firewall pigsty until information technology emerges within your auto. And so, go inside your car to pull it all the manner to the subwoofers. Route information technology forth one side so it won't exist exposed and at adventure of harm. Leave the wire unconnected for at present.^[v]

   • Routing the wire through the firewall hole can be a little tricky. To make this easier, straighten out a hanger, then curl 1 cease into a hook. Employ the hook to guide the wire.
   • About cars have a little scrap of extra space along the sides for wire storage. Expose these channels by lifting upwardly the rug or trim panels.
   • The trim panels are often held in place by plastic pins. Employ a flathead screwdriver to pry the pins off. Note where each panel belongs before removal and so yous have no trouble reinstalling them later.

3. 3

   Cut about half dozen in (fifteen cm) off the front end of the power wire. Apply something abrupt, such as lineman's pliers, that can sever the wire in one stroke. Mensurate out from the cease of the wire in the engine compartment. Cut through information technology and set this section aside to reuse later.

   • The in-line fuse you lot will use to power the subwoofer should be no more than 6 in (15 cm) from the battery. Cut the wire so that it extends from the battery to where you programme on placing the fuse.^[six]

4. 4

   Strip ¹⁄_two  in (i.3 cm) of insulation from the remaining wire. Position wire strippers on the end of the long power cable in the engine compartment. Clasp the blade down until information technology breaks through the insulation just not the wire underneath it. Then, pull the cutting casing off to expose the wire.

   • Wire strippers are the best tool to use if you want to remove the insulation without risking the underlying wires. Y'all tin likewise utilize something like a precipitous knife, merely be very careful with it.

5. 5

   Crimp the exposed wire and plug information technology into the in-line fuse. To crimp the wire, hold it in the jaws of a wire crimping tool and squeeze it. The crimping tool combines the wires strands into a unmarried, neat brawl that fits into one of the openings on the fuse. Open up a last past using an Allen cardinal on the hole above information technology. Turn the key counterclockwise to open up the terminal, so insert the power wire and close the final again.^[seven]

   • The power wire should be secure in the fuse. If it feels easy to motion, tighten the last with the Allen key a footling more. Be conscientious non to overtighten information technology.

6. vi

   Connect the cut length of wire to the fuse later on crimping it. Pick up the cut length of wire you gear up aside before. Measure out about ¹⁄_two  in (1.3 cm) from the end, strip off the insulation, and then use the crimping tool on information technology. Plug the crimped end into the open up part of the fuse, using an Allen central to open and shut information technology as needed. This wire will be opposite from the rest of the power wire so you can attach it to the bombardment.^[8]

   • Position the fuse in a rubber spot where information technology won't be jostled around while you're driving. Try anchoring it to the car frame with a screw or cablevision necktie.

7. 7

   Hook the power string to the positive battery final with a band terminal. Strip ^one⁄₂  in (one.3 cm) off the free end of the shorter length of ability wire. And then, push the exposed end through the opening on the ring terminal. The reverse end of the terminal is a metallic ring that fits over the positive terminal on your motorcar'southward battery. Secure information technology in place by putting the positive bombardment cablevision and nut dorsum in place.^[9]

   • The ring needs to fit on the positive last, which is usually labeled and is recognizable by the red cable continued to information technology. You tin can put the bombardment terminal nut back when you lot're washed.

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1. one

   Run the remote and RCA wires from the trunk to the stereo head. If you tin, run these wires on the opposite side of the auto from the power wire. Brand use of any available infinite underneath the rug or side panels. The remote wire is usually colored bluish, while the RCA wire has of blood-red and white plugs.^[10]

   • The remote and RCA wires should always be far from the power wire, if possible. Otherwise, they may interfere with one another and have a negative effect on the sound quality.

2. 2

   Pull out the stereo head to access the wires backside it. In a lot of cars, the stereo stays attached to its enclosure through a series of plastic clips. You may need to pry off a few of the dashboard panels to exist able to access them. Then, pry the clips up with a flathead screwdriver until you lot are able to slide the stereo toward you, exposing the wires continued to information technology.^[11]

   • Some stereos have screws that crave a Phillips screwdriver to remove.
   • The removal process varies between models, so refer to the possessor's manual for your auto to go more specific details about how to access the stereo's wiring.

3. three

   Plug the RCA cable into the colored connectors on the stereo. Pull the RCA cable through the stereo enclosure. Side by side, look for a series of carmine and white outlets on its back end. Push button the corresponding RCA cables into the colored outlets.^[12]

   • Note that the stereo may have several red and white outlets. Expect for the ones labeled R/SW. They manage audio in the rear (R) part of your vehicle.

4. 4

   Connect the blue remote wire to the blue stereo wire. Your stereo will have a agglomeration of colored wires inserted into a black connector. The blue wire may exist plugged into this connector or left loose. The easiest way to join this wire with the ane y'all're using for the subwoofers is with a plastic connector, like a crimp connector or Posi-connector. Strip ^one⁄₂  in (1.three cm) off the remote wire and stereo wire, crimp them, then plug them into the connector and then the exposed ends contact one another.^[13]

   • The blue wire on the stereo may be labeled remote, antenna, or amplifier.
   • Another choice for joining the wires is to solder them together. It involves stripping and heating them with a soldering fe. Place a shrink wrap tube subsequently to protect the joint.

5. five

   Replace the stereo in the enclosure. Y'all're all done wiring the subwoofers to the stereo, then push it back in place. Make sure all the wires stay attached and go tucked in behind the stereo. When you're done with that, supersede whatever side panels you removed to route the subwoofer'southward connecting wires behind the stereo.^[fourteen]

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1. 1

   Locate an exposed metal spiral or bolt on the car'south frame. Try looking about the rear tires for a bolt near the sides. You may need to pull back the carpet to get a view of it sticking up from the wheel well. The footing wire routes backlog electricity away from your sound arrangement. Take reward of whatever attainable metal components to keep your organization safe.^[fifteen]

   • If your vehicle doesn't have a contact point, you lot can install i. Use a masonry scrap to drill through the metal, and then insert a screw or bolt. Brand sure you don't drill through annihilation other than the metal!

2. 2

   Scrape abroad whatever paint around the bolt. Sometimes, the bolt is located on a small platform that has been painted over. The paint prevents the ground wire from making a proficient connection to the wire. Apply a paint scraper to gradually remove all of the paint surrounding the bolt.^[sixteen]

   • You don't take to eliminate all of the paint, only the material around the bolt. When you install the footing wire, yous will be able to run into where it rests on the console. Remove any paint underneath the ring connector.

3. 3

   Strip ¹⁄_two  in (1.3 cm) off the ground wire before installing it. The basis wire is ordinarily black and much shorter than the other connecting wires. Utilise wire strippers again to take the insulation off i end, then crimp the exposed threads together. Leave the uncut terminate of the wire inside the body for now.^[17]

   • Brand certain the wire strands are firmly wrapped together then they fit well within a connector. If the wire doesn't do its job, it could blow out your system or shock yous.

4. 4

   Slip the wire into a band final and adhere it to the bolt. Plug the wire into the opening on the terminal. Push it all the way into the final until you see the wire come into contact with the ring. And then, place the ring onto the bolt to install information technology.^[18]

   • Your wire kit most likely came with a couple of band terminals, but you can e'er buy more than from a hardware store.
   • Consider placing a lock or star washer on top of the ring terminal to keep it pinned in place. One of the near common problems with subwoofers and amps is when the final doesn't accept full contact with the bolt or spiral.

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1. 1

   Install and wire an amp if it isn't gear up however. The amp should be prepare next to or on peak of the subwoofer enclosure. If it is dissever from the subwoofers, it may have its own colored wires to connect to the ones on the stereo. Apply more than crimp connectors or solder the wires together every bit needed. Otherwise, apply the existing cables to connect it to your sound arrangement.^[19]

   • The amp wires direct to external subwoofers. Programme on connecting each subwoofer with carve up speaker wires.

2. 2

   Connect the ruby-red power cable to the amplifier. Look for a slot labeled "power" or something similar. Strip ^ane⁄_two  in (one.3 cm) of insulation off the end of the wire, then crimp information technology by squeezing the exposed threads together. Finally, push it into the slot on the back of the amp.^[20]

   • The power slot may also be labeled as battery or 12v.
   • The slot is often controlled by a small screw. Turn it counterclockwise with a Phillips spiral to open information technology. Close it support after inserting the wire.
   • If you're using a combination amp and subwoofer, wait for wiring slots on the back of information technology.

3. iii

   Plug the blue remote wire into the amp'southward remote slot. Information technology is often labeled as REM for remote. Go through the same steps you went through when inserting the power wire. Loosen any spiral nowadays, strip the wire, and put information technology into the amp. Make sure information technology is secure earlier moving on.^[21]

   • The remote slot may be in the centre of the other slots. When possible, arc the wires in a gentle bend to protect them from harm. Don't try twisting them at a harsh angle to reach the slots.

4. 4

   Attach the black footing wire to the amp's negative slot. The last slot is to direct backlog electricity away from the amp and subwoofer. Strip the end of the footing wire and plug information technology in after loosening the screw. Bank check all the connections again to make sure the wires have been put in the right spots and are well-secured with the screws.^[22]

   • The ports on an amplifier are typically color-coded. If they are, use the colors to double-check that all the wires are in the correct slots.

5. 5

   Connect the subwoofer to the amp with speaker wires if they are separate. Unspool enough speaker wire to extend from the amp to the subwoofer's inputs. Then, strip ¹⁄₂  in (1.iii cm) off both ends. Look for positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both devices. Plug the wire into the positive ports, then echo the process with some other length of wire for the negative ones.^[23]

   • Speaker wire is often recognizable by its statuary-colored insulation that makes it look similar to a bare wire. It can be plugged into either the positive or negative ports as long as you lucifer them on both devices.
   • Some types of speaker wire consist of divide, color-coded wires. Plug the blackness wire into the negative ports and the red wire into the positive ones.

6. six

   Attach the RCA cablevision to the colored ports on the back of the amp. Annotation the colored ports, usually cherry and white, on the back of the amp. They are similar to the ones on your stereo. Yous don't need to strip the cable at all. But plug the leads into the corresponding ports to finish wiring the subwoofers.^[24]

   • Make sure the RCA plugs are in the correct ports. If your system doesn't produce the sound quality you expect, you may have switched the RCA cables by accident.

7. 7

   Reattach the negative bombardment concluding cable to exam the subwoofers. Hook the negative cable to the bombardment and comprehend it with the nut you removed. Plow it clockwise with a wrench or socket wrench to tighten information technology. Give your wiring one final cheque to brand sure everything is where you lot desire it. And so, commencement your auto and turn up the stereo!^[25]

   • If yous observe problems, it is likely from a faulty connection. Brand sure the wires are secure and well-connected, including the basis wire.

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Add New Question

• Question

  Where exercise I connect a red power wire to the battery?

  

  Connect it to the positive battery postal service. That is the i with the plus sign. Red is positive; black is negative.

• Question

  Will connecting the wire with the battery directly void the warranty of the battery?

  

  No, it shouldn't.

• Question

  What does the remote wire consist of?

  

  The remote wire needs a 12v betoken to plow on the amp. Connect information technology to a source of ability that is on but when you turn your key.

• Question

  How practise I measure out the diameter of a speaker?

  

  Measure out it according to the inches of your subwoofers and subtract two inches before cutting your box.

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Video

• If yous're trying to install a blank subwoofer speaker, purchase an enclosure to put it in. There are many unlike types of enclosures, just become one that fits the speaker.

• Subwoofers installed elsewhere, like in your home, work the aforementioned mode as those in cars. The difference is that you don't take to deal with a battery and running wires through tight spaces.

• Cable ties are very useful for securing wires or fuse holders to the sides of your vehicle.

• Note that all vehicles take different wiring systems, and then the steps you need to take to fit a subwoofer may vary slightly.

• Brand sure your subwoofer and amp aren't touching metallic or else they won't work. To avert this, you could utilise mounting brackets to install the amp on tiptop of the subwoofer enclosure.

• Expect into sound deadening foam or spray to alleviate rattling coming from your vehicle or subwoofer enclosure. Absorbent cloth like quilt batting also helps fill in excess enclosure infinite.

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• Working with active electrical components is dangerous. Always make sure the car is off with the battery asunder before installing a subwoofer.

• If y'all're not careful, you tin cause damage to your machine and its internal wiring. Consult a mechanic or auto electrician for assistance.

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Things Y'all'll Need

• Wire strippers
• A 20 ft (6.one m) ability wire
• A ground wire at least 3 ft (0.91 m) long
• A 15 ft (four.half-dozen k) RCA wire with both ruby-red and white connectors
• A 15 ft (4.six m) blueish remote wire
• Speaker wire, which tin can also be bought separately
• A l-amp in-line fuse and fuse holder
• Crimp ring terminals for connecting the wires
• Plastic crimp connectors
• Wire crimpers
• Flashlight
• Screwdrivers
• Metallic file or pigment scraper
• Cable ties (optional)

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Subwoofers

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