Objective

Addding an amplifier is a great way to juice up your vehicle's sound system. Throw a subwoofer in there and you will take your vehicle to the next audio level. This training video we developed for our Autotechs will show you how to safely and effectively install an amp and subwoofer in your current ride.

What You'll Need

Parts: 

• power wire with fuse
• ground wire
• remote turn-on wire
• speaker wire
• RCA cables
• connectors
• split loom tubing
• zip ties

Tools: 

• flush cut pliers
• socket set driver
• multimeter
• Torx driver, nut drivers and allen wrench
• utility knife
• drill
• crimping tool
• 4 gauge wire grommet tool
• panel removal tools

Procedure

Check your vehicle's electrical system before beginning. Turn the lights on and off, check the radio, flashers, heater and power windows. Making sure you know how things were working before you began working on your electrical system can help you diagnose any problems that may arise.

Also, be sure to take a look through the installation manuals that will come with your devices. The manuals will give you a good overview of how the devices will fit into your current system. And the wiring diagrams can be life-savers.

1. Go below the dashboard and find an opening in the firewall through which you can run the power wire.
2. Remove the fuse from the power wire.
3. Thread the power wire through the firewall into the engine compartment.
4. Attach the power wire to the positive terminal of the vehicle's battery.
5. Securely run the power wire inside the vehicle to the amp's location.
6. Tape the remote wire to the RCA cable.
7. Remove dashboard.
8. Remove radio.
9. Thread the RCA cable and remote wire up through the dash and into the radio cavity.
10. Connect the remote wire from the amp to the remote turn-on wire on the wire harness.
11. Reinsert radio into the dash.
12. Put the dashboard back in place.
13. Run the RCA cable to the amp location. For safety, be sure to run the cables on the passenger side of the vehicle.
14. Attach the amplifier securely to the vehicle. Be sure not to attach the amp until you are sure the wires will reach it once it is screwed down.
15. Connect RCA cables to the amp.
16. Connect power wire to the amp.
17. Connect ground wire to the amp.
18. Connect ground wire to the body of tghe vehicle
19. Connect speaker wires to the amp.
20. Connect speaker wires to the subwoofer (if applicable).
21. Reinstall the fuse to the power cable in the engine compartment.
22. Tune the amp.
23. Position and secure the subwoofer.

Need more help?

Car audio can be a tricky business. If you have questions after watching this video, we're here to help!

Chat with an Agent online, by phone at 1-800-GeekSquad (1-800-433-5778), or at a Geek Squad Precinct inside a Best Buy store near you.