This installation guide offers examples of amplifier installation types and suggested system layouts. The installation of your amplifier will depend on the make and body style of your vehicle, as well as the equipment purchased.

Tools needed, depending on vehicle

You can also download a pdf of the Car Amplifier Installation Guide. Note: To view this file, you will need the Adobe Acrobat PDF reader (free download).

A note about wiring: In addition to the tools listed above, your amp installation will require power and ground wiring, plus RCA cables, terminals, and a remote turn-on lead. The easiest way to get all of these items is in an amplifier wiring kit, available at crutchfield.com.

Planning ahead:

Choosing your location according to these guidelines will help your installation go smoothly:

• The amp should be at least three feet from the receiver to avoid noise radiated from the vehicle's electrical system. The amp can also interfere with the receiver's AM/FM reception.
• An amp produces some heat during operation, which its heatsink absorbs and radiates, so it needs a few inches of air space to stay as cool as possible. When mounting an amp on a side wall, make sure the fins on the heatsink are vertical. Never mount an amp upside down, as dissipated heat will radiate back into the amp.
• There must be enough room on either side to make the wiring connections and adjust the controls (gain, crossover, bass boost, etc.).

Good locations include:

• On the firewall (passenger side).
  Pros: Short wires and patch cords required. You won't have to remove a seat or climb into the trunk.
  Cons: Only very small amps fit here. Closer to some common noise sources.
• In the trunk or hatch area.
  Pros: Plenty of room for large amps. Near the rear speakers.
  Cons: You sacrifice some cargo space. Longer wires and patch cords required. If working in the trunk, tape over the latch, so you won't get trapped inside accidentally.
• Under a seat.
  Pros: Closer to the receiver, so you can use shorter patch cables and signal cables, which are less prone to noise and signal degradation.Closer to the front speakers, so running wire to them will be easier. No cargo space sacrificed.
  Cons: You may have to remove the seat to do the installation. Warning: removing your seat could deactivate your vehicle's SRS system. Larger amps might not fit. You must elevate the amp to avoid contact with water from rain or snow brought in on passengers' shoes.

IMPORTANT:

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for mounting the amp and make sure it's secure. An amp that isn't secure could break loose in an accident and injure a passenger as it flies through the vehicle.