How to get power to an amp in the trunk?

hbuddy1

Junior Member
Aug 4, 2002
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I'm adding an amp to my subs in the trunk. But where do I get the power from. for the amp?
 

Spoooon

Lifer
Mar 3, 2000
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203
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From the car battery. Drill a hole through the firewall, if you're lucky your car may already have a hole that you can use, run the wire from the battery to the trunk.
 

PaNsyBoy8

Golden Member
Jul 19, 2001
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exactly what spo...on said
if you are going to run more than one amp, get a power distribution block, it'll make ur job a little easier
 

hbuddy1

Junior Member
Aug 4, 2002
23
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Thanks,

I have another question. I've got a Pioneer DEH-240F HU, and when I put the volume up fairly load, the display on the HU dims to the beat, like it's not getting enough power. Is this normal? Is it bad for the HU?
 

Harvey

Administrator<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
35,059
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Don't forget to put a fuse in line with your new wiring. :)
 

ohtwell

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
14,516
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It just means that its drainging a lot of energy out of the battery when the bass hits and that perhaps you should turn it down. My car stereo did that but only if I had it up really loud and I just never turned it up that loud again. I'm not sure if it's normal but it has happened to a few people I know. :)


: ) Amanda
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
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if your alternator is straining (as you've described it), a 1/2 farad capacitor may be necessary to get any "bumps" from your amp.

-=bmacd=-
 

Spoooon

Lifer
Mar 3, 2000
11,563
203
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Originally posted by: bmacd
if your alternator is straining (as you've described it), a 1/2 farad capacitor may be necessary to get any "bumps" from your amp.

-=bmacd=-

Or you can get a bigger alternator. Depending on your car, that might even be cheaper than getting a decent cap. ;) I have a 1 farad cap in my car, but I got it brand new for only 25 bucks. some lightning audio caps
 

hbuddy1

Junior Member
Aug 4, 2002
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Ok so how do I run the wire from back to the front? Where do I pass it along?
 

ohtwell

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
14,516
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You'll have to run it around the door. If you want to hide the wire you will have to push it underneath the plastic thing at the base of the door. I'm assuming that your battery is on the driver side of the car so that is the side you'll have to run it on. DON'T run the wire across the engine. :)

: ) Amanda
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
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you're gonna want to run it through your firewall to begin with. The you can lift up the door guards that are at the bottom of where your door closes (on the inside) and see if they lift up. If they do, you'll probably see some prior wiring in their. Go ahead and route the wires (RCAs from your headunit, and +12v for your amp) through as far as you can. It may take you some time to figure out where you're going to put all the wire, but just don't rush into anything or cut anything. And if you lose your temper, just chill out for an hour so you don't do something you'll regret. This may be a full weekend project for you, but it normally takes an hour or so.

-=bmacd=-
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
10,869
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Originally posted by: ohtwell
You'll have to run it around the door. If you want to hide the wire you will have to push it underneath the plastic thing at the base of the door. I'm assuming that your battery is on the driver side of the car so that is the side you'll have to run it on. DON'T run the wire across the engine. :)

: ) Amanda

you are amazingly fast and smart *cough* for a girl*cough* ;)

-=bmacd=-
 

Paulson

Elite Member
Feb 27, 2001
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www.ifixidevices.com
I should take some pics of how I did this in my truck... fairly easy...

Just take the plastic molding off where you get into the vehicle (part that seperates the metal from the carpet) and put all the wires down there...
 

Pepsi90919

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
25,162
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Originally posted by: Paulson
I should take some pics of how I did this in my truck... fairly easy...

Just take the plastic molding off where you get into the vehicle (part that seperates the metal from the carpet) and put all the wires down there...

uh..you'd kind of expect it to be easy in a truck. there's only one trim piece.