Installing a car audio amplifier is a simple and easy way to save money on a car audio system while getting the quality sound experience that many drivers and passengers enjoy. To have a seperate subwoofer or "sub" or to get that truly "blaring loud" sound that some people want, a car audio amplifier must be installed.
What You Need
The car manual and amplifier (amp) manuals are the two most important pieces of information. Missing either could result in improper connection and possible electrical problems. Wire cutters, car audio cables and wires (consult amp manual), pliers, screwdrivers (flat and phillips head), masking tape, Sharpie, utility knife, 2 crimp on o-rings, female spade connectors, thick audio power cable (thickness depends on the amp) that can reach from the battery to where the amp will be placed, 3 feet of ground cable of the same thickness as the audio power cable, RCA signal cable, remote on wire, speaker wire and a car audio amp.
Attaching the Amp to the Battery
Make sure the car is off, and then disconnect the ground wire (negative wire) from your battery. Attach the red portion of the power cable (positive wire) to the positive connection on your battery, and put the fuse in the fuse holder. Proceed to run the power cable to your amp via the firewall (opening on car usually on the driver's side), and make sure the power cable is either under the plastic along the sides or at least under the carpet mats to protect it and avoid having the power cable near the signal wire. Next, find a metal bolt or screw to attach the ground cable to, unscrew it and sand it down. Make sure it's clean, then attach the ground cable to the o-ring and screw, and then screw it in.
Attaching the Amp to the Head Unit
Remove the head unit (consult car manual, and connect the signal and remote wires from behind the head unit to the amp. Keep these wires away from the power cable.
Attaching the Amp to the Speakers
Next, run the speaker wire from speakers to the amp. Label each wire with "left" and "right" using a Sharpie on masking tape. On the end that runs to the speaker, use wire cutters to strip a quarter inch of the coating off. Then crimp the end to replace the female spade connections. Connect the speaker wire to the amp, making sure to match positive to positive and negative to negative. Strip off a bit of coating on the speaker wire to connect to the amp.
Finishing Up
Secure the amp either with a frame or straps to keep it from moving around and preventing wires from coming undone. Finally, reconnect the negative line on the battery. Test the system, making sure each speaker works, and put everything back together.
The biggest mistakes are improper cables (wrong wiring) or improper connections. Ask a sales rep at a local electronics store when searching for the proper cables and tools.
Tags: power cable, speaker wire, ground cable, attach ground, attach ground cable, audio amplifier, audio power
