Metra factory amp bypass for 96 Explorer

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=41283
Printed Date: August 28, 2025 at 6:53 PM

Topic: Metra factory amp bypass for 96 Explorer

Posted By: Kokane100
Subject: Metra factory amp bypass for 96 Explorer
Date Posted: October 20, 2004 at 8:05 AM

I just got my 96 Explorer XL which I installed my Clarion DXZ635MP deck into. I got the adaptor harnes (Metra 70-5600) and dash kit and its all good... excpet one thing. That factory amp in the back makes it sound like crap so I need to bypass it. Now I want to do this without running new wires and with minimal or NO cutting/splicing of factory wires.

One option is to convert the decks high powered signal to the line level signal that the amp is expecting. I guess this would be "integrating" the factory amp and would retain all the original wiring and be minimal hassle. I found the kit to do that. The problem with this method is the factory amp is rated 20Wx4 RMS @ 10% THD and my deck is 17Wx4 RMS at 0.01% THD. I would rather drive the speakers with the better sounding amp in the deck.

So I have heard there is bypass harness that you simply unplug the leads going into the factory amp and the leads coming out of the amp and connect with a bypass adapter. I found this which sort of does that. But with this kit you simply rerun the speaker wires from the deck to all four speaks... which is not what I want to do.

After looking at Metra Guide on this site I see that they sell a Amplifier Bypass (p/n 70-5601). Their site doesn't have a picture or much information on it. How does this kit work any one know? Does it do what I want or does it need me to run new speaker wires? Better yet does any have picture of it?

Replies:

Posted By: fatgotti
Date Posted: October 20, 2004 at 9:16 AM

I like Metra better but if you have to usa American International I will post the site back it has pic's!!!!

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Fatgotti Yeah my name is John and I am FAT!! YEAH BABY

Posted By: thepencil
Date Posted: October 20, 2004 at 9:22 AM

This is the harness that you need to bypass the factory amplifier without having to run new speaker wire.

What you got to do is locate the factory amp in the car. I can't remember where it is on this car, but I am sure someone here who remember can tell you. Unplug two plugs of the factory amp and plug it into the bypass harness and you are done.

reference

Harness

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Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. posted_image

Posted By: fatgotti
Date Posted: October 20, 2004 at 9:26 AM

www.americaninternational.net check page 101 in the catalog for FWH5

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Fatgotti Yeah my name is John and I am FAT!! YEAH BABY