Adding amp and sub to factory system

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=8002
Printed Date: May 10, 2025 at 4:15 AM

Topic: Adding amp and sub to factory system

Posted By: hrbib21
Subject: Adding amp and sub to factory system
Date Posted: January 11, 2003 at 3:50 PM

I am trying to add an amp to the factory system on my 99 Explorer Limited. I am rather frustrated at this point. I have the amp wired up properly (power, remote turn-on, ground) but CANNOT get the speaker wiring right. Originally I plugged into the left rear door speaker and used the high level inputs on the amp. Didn't work. Next, I bought a high level to rca converter and that isn't working. From what I understand, the factory amp is part of the head unit. Is this my problem, the amps cancelling each other out? I tried to find the speaker wires going into the rear factory amp and sub (I know this is on the passenger side by the rear wheelwell) but I can't seem to get the torx bolt off for the seatbelt so I can't get the panel off. I do know where the wires are under the seat (the ones that lead to the factory amp/sub in the rear) but I don't know which are the speaker wires. I also know I can get an amp bypass harness but will it work if I am keeping the stock head unit?

HELP! Basically, what's the best way for me to add an amp and sub to the factory system?

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Member LittleWhiteDog.com SETI Team
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Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: January 11, 2003 at 5:13 PM

When you had tried the left rear door wires for the LOC input, did you turn on the ignition of the truck to test the LOC's operation ?? The reason I ask is because the wires that are on the output of the OEM amp require that the amp be turned on before it gets any signal from the deck.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: hrbib21
Date Posted: January 12, 2003 at 1:18 AM

Yes, I had it on after I hooked it up. I actually got it working, somewhat. I think there's something wrong with my speaker. When I hook up the 6.5" passive Bazooka I have, it works (loud, too) and I even tried an 8" woofer I have laying around and it also worked. I hooked up the 12" Bazooka EL1204 and it doesn't do anything. Obviously there must be something wrong with it. Now, the RMS on the 12" is much higher than the other 2 but I would think that I should still hear something. I'm going to go buy one of those Kenwood "tornado" ones at Circuit City tomorrow ($49.99) and see what happens.

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Member LittleWhiteDog.com SETI Team
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