Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Simple Amp Instructions

So I have done a search before about installing an aftermarket amplifier to my car and they don't seem to help. Could someone PLEASE give me PLAIN and SIMPLE instructions on installing a Pioneer 4 channel 480 watt amp to a factory stereo and Pioneer speakers. My main concern is getting the power cable through the firewall (can't find anyplace to get through), connecting it to the power, and then getting it to shut off when the radio (or the car) is shut off. I purchased a kit with all of the wires needed, and now I gotta figure out how to do it. Please help! I want to be able to say that I did it myself but I am getting impatient and I might just pay someone

First of all; what kind of car? Is it an automagic or manual?

ATX or MTX? If ATX you can run the wire through the teardrop rubber piece on the driver side part of the firewall. If running 4 GA power, get a fused distribution block and correct fuse that allows you to step it down to 8 GA and run it to the amp. If 8 GA just be sure to use the correct fuse in the waterproof holder. If I were installing a 4 channel amp for all 4 door speakers I would mount amp behind the glovebox and run 3 ft patch cables from HU to amp, tape up HU speaker output wires (you won't need them). Use aftermarket HU wiring harness(the one you probably bought when you bought HU) and wire amp speaker outputs to correct speakers, use amp turn on wire from HU(most aftermarket HUs have this wire) to switch amp on/off when car is on/off. Find a good ground and try to keep it as short as possible. Simple.

EDIT: I actually read FACTORY STEREO How about this? Use same method stated above for power/ground, sign up on www.the12volt.com and look under vehicle info for wiring colors for OEM harness. You could tap into OEM switched 12+ to turn amp on/off with the car. Good luck!

Where is this teardrop rubber piece? I do have an automatic. And the amp is way too big to install behind the glove box (that was my original plan.... I was then going to put it under the passenger seat, but the heating duct is in the way... so i am stuck with the trunk ) Someone told me that I could hook the remote wire on the amp to one of the wires on the stereo that turns off when the car turns off (I guess one of the power wires is continuous power for saving the time and presets, and then there is a power line that is activated when you turn on the car). I actually have a chart already in the car that shows what the wires are. So basically, just getting the power wire through the firewall and connecting the power are my two biggest problems right now. Do I just hook up to the positive port on the battery, or do i have to mess with the fuse box?

Here I come To Save The Day!!!!

Cool, that might help. Thanks!

No problem. Now that I switched out my 8 guage for 4 guage I guess I should replace the gr ommet right?

I have the same question except it is a MTX and the tear shaped grommet is not on the manual. Where do you run the wire then?