I am trying to install Subs into a 1997 Explorer that has OEM Head Unit/Premium Sound/6 Disc CD Changer. I have a seperate amplifier to drive the subs (line-level input only). I would like to use the OEM head unit and OEM amplifier to run the front/rear door speakers.
Are there line level outputs that I can splice into and go directly to the line-level inputs of the sub amp?
If not, I am going to use a speaker level to line level converter to send the output signal to the sub amplifier.
The problem is, I cannot determine where to splice into the wiring harness to get line level or speaker level outputs.
For Speaker level or line level outputs, should I splice into the harness near the head unit or near the amplifier?
What is the wiring configuration at the OEM amplifier? At the amplifier, the speaker connector has 8 wires coming out of it. Is the signal line level or speaker level at this connector?
At the head unit, for the speakers, is the signal coming out line level or speaker level?
Thanks, Paul
My guess is the signal between the head unit and the amp is a line level signal, but not one you can easily tap into. I wouldn't mess with this at all. Your safest setup to keep the factory head/amps is to tap into one set (usually the rear) of the speaker level signals between your amp and the speakers. Either splice right at the speaker terminals or find the Ford factory wiring diagram to splice into the speaker level signals at the amp.
HERE is the standard Ford wireing color codes. Use a speaker-to-line level converter to get a line level signal to drive your sub amp.