Table of Contents

iii

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... iii
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ v
Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................................3
Removing the in-dash CD player ..................................................................................................3
Note ........................................................................................................................................3
Tools:.......................................................................................................................................3
...................................................................................................................................................5
...................................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................................7
Subwoofer Installation ................................................................................................................7
Tools:.......................................................................................................................................7
Materials: ................................................................................................................................7
Tools:.....................................................................................................................................15
Materials: ..............................................................................................................................15
Chapter 6 ..................................................................................................................................21
Tools Required:......................................................................................................................21
..............................................................................................................................................22
.................................................................................................................................................23
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................27
My amplifier will not turn on .................................................................................................27
No output from my amplifier .................................................................................................27
My amplifier is on but no output ...........................................................................................27
My sound system makes a hissing or crackling sound ............................................................27
My amplifier is overheating ...................................................................................................27
My amplifier turns on and off ................................................................................................28
Index .........................................................................................................................................29

Introduction

Introduction
These instructions will guide you in upgrading your current car audio system. Whether you
want your music to sound louder or just want a better music quality, by following this guide
carefully you will be on your way to a richer sound experience. Upgrading your current system
does not require prior experience. This guide will provide all the information needed to give
your audio system a boost. We recommended that adults perform all the necessary steps
provided in this manual. Young children may get hurt if allowed to handle electronic equipment
and material. The first time upgrading your audio system can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours,
depending on your level of experience. However, after this installation you will increase your
speed and knowledge in audio systems in general. You are now ready to begin your exciting
experience in enhancing your audio system. Good luck!

Removing the in-dash CD player

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Removing the in-dash CD player

This section of the manual will assist you in removing your in-dash CD player or stereo. You will
need a few set of tools for this part of the installation. Removing the in-dash CD player should
take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. It is always better to start by removing the stereo because
it is easy and will you eventually need to remove it.

Warning: Make sure you have disconnected your negative battery terminal before removing
your stereo. If you need help in doing this see step 2 in chapter 3.

Note: This guide is for removing factory installed stereos and not custom stereos.
Tools:

DIN radio removing tool

Phillips screwdriver
Panel Pry tool

Step 1:
First we must verify that your stereo is compatible to use the DIN removal tool. On the front of
your stereo you should see two small holes vertical to each other. These holes are on the left
and right hand side on the front of the stereo; a total of 4 holes. If you see these holes then
proceed to the step 1a. If your stereo does not have these holes then you will proceed to step
2.

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Step 1A:
Removing the factory stereo with the DIN tool is much easier and faster. Now that you located
the holes on each side of the stereo, take the DIN tool and insert each pin straight into the
holes of the stereo, until you feel a clicking sensation. See figure 1.

Figure 1.

Step 1B:
After you have inserted the DIN tool into the stereo, push both DIN tools outward, while
simultaneously pulling the DIN tool towards you. This should easily dislodge the stereo and
allow it to come out. See Figure 2.

Figure 2.

Chapter 1

Step 2:
Use the panel pry tool to remove the panel covering the stereo. Using the pry tool, carefully go
around the edges to pry off the panel covering the stereo.

Figure 3

Step 3:
After you have removed the panel, look around the stereo for any screws. Depending on what
type of screws your stereo has, locate the corresponding screwdriver (Philips or flathead).
Unscrew the screws and pull out your stereo. If you have unscrewed all screws, then you should
be able to just pull out the stereo with ease.

Congratulations! You have removed your car stereo (receiver).

You can now proceed to the next chapter.

Installing the subwoofer

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Subwoofer Installation
Tools:

Drill with Phillips head tip

Materials:

Subwoofers
Metal brackets
Screws

Step 1:
Choose an installation location in your vehicle that is close to your amplifier and where there is
enough space to install the speakers, based on your car size.

Step 2:
After choosing your location, install one side of the metal bracket on the subwoofer. See figure
4.

Figure 4

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Step 3:
Now drill the other side of the metal bracket onto the backseat of the car or the floor of the car.
In figure 5 the brackets were used to secure the subwoofer to the floor of the car and to the
backseat.

Figure 5

Chapter 2

Hooking up wires from Amplifier to speakers

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Hooking up Wires from Amplifier to Speakers

11

12

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Step 1:
Cut ends of speaker wires with wire cutters. [CAUTION] Twist frayed ends of each copper wire
to form a solid shape on all individually.

Step 2:

Caution: when handling the wires, be careful not to hurt yourself with the sharp ends.
Attach pair of red/black wires to R+, R-, and L+, L- respectively, matching the colors. Wires can
be crossed when attached to subwoofers (+ to -), but needs to be uniform. Either cross both
wires, or keep the wires parallel. ** see diagram **[NOTE] Crossing the wires properly should
result in more power transmitted through your amplifier.

Chapter 3

Hooking up Amplifier to Battery

13

Chapter 5

Chapter 4

Hooking Up Amplifier to Battery

Tools:

Wrench
Wire cutters
Phillips screwdriver

Materials:

coaxial cable

15

16

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Step 1:
Cut one end of coaxial cable with wire cutters. [CAUTION] Twist frayed ends of copper wire to
form a solid shape.

Step 2:
Use wrench to loosen screw for positive battery connection. Lift positive battery connection (+)
arm and place twisted end of coaxial cable there. Make sure the copper of the wire is physically
touching metal. Replace battery arm and screw on top of wire, ensuring that it is tightly
fastened with the wrench.

Step 3:
Feed the opposite end of the coaxial cable through the space inside the hood that goes into the
car. Snake the coaxial cable through the car into the trunk.

Step 4:
Cut the other end of the coaxial cable once you ensure the length is enough to reach the
amplifier in the trunk. Twist the frayed copper wire until it is a solid form that can be fastened
on the positive power connection (+, red color) on the amplifier.

Step 5:
Use the Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screw for the positive power connection (+, red color)
on the amplifier. Place the now solid copper wire end on this connection, making sure it is
firmly touching metal. Replace the screw over the copper wire end and screw it tightly so the
wire is held firmly in place.

Chapter 5

Hooking up Receiver to Amplifier

17

18

Chapter 5

Hooking Up Receiver to Amplifier

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Chapter 5

19

Step 1:
Get RCA wires. Attached matched color coded wire heads to the red and black input connectors
on the back of the receiver (see diagram).

Step 2:
Snake other end of the wire to the trunk. Plug the color coded wire heads to the corresponding
color coded input connectors on the amplifier. [NOTE]: This allows a signal to be transmitted
from the receiver to the amplifier.

Step 3:
Get remote wire (blue). Attach the end of the remote wire that has the connector to
corresponding input connector in back of the receiver (see diagram).

Step 4:
Snake other end of remote wire through car to reach amplifier in trunk.
Use wire cutters to cut the end of the remote wire, exposing the copper wire.
Twist the frayed copper wire ends until forms a solid shape.

Step 5:
Get Phillips screwdriver to loosen screw that holds the remote wire port.
Insert the wire end you just cut into the remote wire port. Replace screw over the inserted wire
and firmly tighten screw with screwdriver.

20

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Installing the Car Audio Amplifier

Chapter 6

21

Chapter 6
Installing the Car Audio Amplifier
You are now in the amplifier installation chapter. Assuming you have already laid out your
wires. Installing the amplifier should take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This is a very
important part of installing a sound system so please follow directions carefully.

Caution: Install your amplifier in a spacious area. Amplifiers tend to get hot and
overheating can damage or destroy your amplifier.
Tools Required:

Power Drill
Screws
Wire strippers
Manual Phillips screwdriver

Step 1:
We can start by choosing an area with enough space for your amplifier; preferably the trunk.
Installing the amplifier in the trunk will make your life much easier. Keep in mind that you will
have to drill holes in your trunk for your amplifier, so choose either a carpeted area or a metal
side of the trunk.

22

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Step 2:
Now that you have chosen the area, you can take your amplifier and use it as a guide to know
where to drill the holes for mounting. Take the screws from the wiring kit and drill one screw
through each hole of the amplifier; there should be 4 holes. After you have finished proceed to
step 3. See figure 6.

Figure 6

Step 3:
We can now take the RCA patch cable and plug it into the RCA (red and white) ports of the
amplifier. The red tip will go with the red port and the other can go into the white port. As
shown below in figure 7.

Figure 7

Note: The RCA cable may have a different color cable other than white, but all will
have the red cable tip.

Chapter 6

23

Step 4:
Take the coaxial cable, and cut about to 1 inch with the wire stripper tool. The coaxial cable is
the thick gauge cable that is usually red. See figure 8.

Figure 8

Step 5:
After you have cut the coaxial cable, twist the end of the cable and insert it in the port that is
labeled 12v(+12). Now use the Phillips screwdriver to tighten the screw in the 12v(+12) port.
See figure 9.

Figure 9

24

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Step 6
Now insert the remote wire (thin blue) into the REM port of the amplifier. Use the Phillips
screwdriver to tighten it as well. See figure 10.

Figure 10

Chapter 6

Step 7:
Now strip the ground wire and attach it to the port labeled GND and tighten it. See figure 11.

Figure 11

Step 8:
Take the ground wire and attach it to an area in the car where there is metal. Make sure to
scrape off any paint, glue, or plastic at the point of contact of the ground wire. See figure 12.

Figure 12

25

26

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

Step 9:
The last step is to install the fuse into the fuse block. Open the fuse holder and insert the fuse
carefully.

Note: The fuse block is at the front of the car where your battery is located, attached to the
coaxial cable.

Congratulations! You have finished installing your sound

system. Now you can test your system and enjoy your music!

Chapter 6

27

Troubleshooting
My amplifier will not turn on
Check the remote wire. Make sure the lead cable is properly connected to the radio and the
amplifier.
Check all the fuses. Look inside the fuses and make sure they are not broken. If they are, then
you must replace them.
Check your 12v power cable. Your 12v power cable should be tight at the battery and amplifier
as well.
Make sure your ground cable is properly grounded. The ground cable must be connected
directly to the cars aluminum inside frame.

No output from my amplifier

Make sure that your amplifiers on/off button is turned on.
Check your wiring connections for loose or unconnected wires throughout the car.

My amplifier is on but no output

Check your stereo and make sure all connections are attached. Your RCA, turn on lead, power.
Check your speakers with another audio source. Use an external speaker to test and see if your
car speakers are working.
Try different RCA cable to make sure its not your RCA cable.

My sound system makes a hissing or crackling sound

Check your wiring. The remote wire should be on the opposite side of the car.
Check your speaker connections. Unplug them and see if you can still hear it. If you can still
hear it then its your wiring.
Check your ground cable make sure there is nothing interfering with it. E.g. glue, paint, tape.
Check speaker wires are plugged into the proper terminals as described in the manual.

My amplifier is overheating
Make sure there is enough air circulation where you installed your amplifier. Move your
amplifier to a more spacious location.
Check your power cable voltage or go to a car audio store to have them check it. If its not
producing enough voltage then replace it with a new one.

28

How to Enhance Your Car Audio System

My amplifier turns on and off

The likely cause of this issue is a bad amplifier. The best thing to do is to check the amplifiers
power rating and make sure it matches the speaker rating. (Usually in Watts) If the issue is not
the rating then send it in to the manufacturer.

Index

29

Index
amplifier, iii, 7, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22
Amplifier, 9, 11, 13, 15
Caution, 15
coaxial cable, 11, 12, 17, 20
DIN, 3, 4
Metal brackets, 7
Note, 3, 16

Phillips, 3, 7, 12, 15, 17, 18

power cable, 21
Pry tool, 3
RCA, 14, 16, 21
remote wire, 14, 21
Troubleshooting, 21
Warning, 3