Install a Car Amp

Correctly installing an amplifier is not particularly easy, but it is an important part of getting a quality sound and avoiding technical mishaps. Installing an amp can be done without the help of a professional, allowing you to get great sound without an installation fee.

Steps

  1. Mount your amplifier on a solid surface that will not conduct electricity. In other words, do not mount it on a metal surface.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Make sure you know how to reactivate your radio before doing this, if your radio has a security system.
  3. Pass the power wire through the firewall. You can put it through an empty rubber grommet in a factory hole.
    • If there is no available hole, use a power drill and steel bits to drill one. Start with a pilot hole and then work your way up to a size that will fit your wire. Paint the hole's edges to protect against rust.
    • Put a rubber grommet in the hole to keep the wire from chaffing.
  4. Run the power wire to the battery. Start from the interior of the car, and make sure the wire won't get pinched or caught on anything. Run the wire under the carpet by removing the rocker panel and kick panel covers.
  5. Install an inline fuse holder for the power line 18 inches (46 cm) or fewer from the battery terminal connection. It is best to install it as close as possible to the connection.
    • Consult the owner's manual or the manufacturer of your amplifier to determine the size fuse you should use.
  6. Connect the power wire to the amplifier.
  7. Secure the wire with plastic wire ties.
  8. Run your RCA cables and remote turn-on lead (remote turn on lead is the blue wire with white line) from the back of the head unit to the amp. Snake them through the car in the same way you did the power wire, but do it on the opposite side of the vehicle. This will prevent noise in the system.
  9. Connect the speaker wires from the amplifier to the speakers. Situate these wires away from the power wires.
  10. Connect the amp's negative terminal to the car's chassis ground. Use a short negative power wire that is the same diameter as the positive wire that leads to the battery.
  11. Insert the main power wire fuse once all the connections for the other wires are in place.
  12. Connect the negative battery terminal.
  13. Set all of the input level gain controls to their lowest setting.
  14. Set bass, treble and loudness levels to 0.
  15. Set equalizers to their center, or neutral, position if you have them.
  16. Put in a CD with music that you are familiar with. Choose something strong and clean sounding.
  17. Turn up the deck's volume until you hear distortion, and set it just below that level. If you don't hear distortion even at the loudest setting, the head unit is in good shape.
  18. Repeat this process for the input gain, and then with all the other components.
  19. Play more music and adjust the settings as you prefer.

Warnings

  • Never drill inside a car's parts unless you know exactly where the drill bit is going.
  • Do not attempt to install an amp if you do not feel comfortable with the procedure.
  • Wear hearing protection when adjusting the amp's settings.

Things You'll Need

  • Amplifier
  • Power wire
  • Drill
  • Rubber grommets
  • Speakers
  • Ear protection
  • Music CD

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Sources and Citations

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