How to install a powered subwoofer
Learn how to install a powered sub and boost your bass
Powered subwoofers include all the elements of a subwoofer system — subwoofer, amplifier, and enclosure — in one convenient package. Here's a look at how you install a typical powered subwoofer.
Please note: As with any amplifier installation, you'll also need an amplifier wiring kit. The proper size of kit will be listed in the accessories for each powered subwoofer. If you need any help or just have questions about adding a powered subwoofer, contact our advisors.
How to install a powered subwoofer | Video Transcript
No matter what kind of music you love, adding bass makes it sound better. Let's take a look at what it takes to install a powered subwoofer in your vehicle with the help of one of our guys from tech support.
Find a place to mount your sub
Before you get started, find a suitable place in your vehicle to mount your sub. The sub’s built-in amplifier generates heat, so adequate ventilation is important. And you'll want to place it somewhere that's not too difficult to access.
Wiring kit and speaker wire
Your powered sub does not come with the necessary wiring, so be sure to purchase an amp wiring kit that includes the wiring and fuses you'll need.
Disconnect the battery
First, disconnect the negative battery terminal to protect you and your gear during installation.
Step #1: Running power wire
Next, run the power cable from the battery to the powered sub. Some kits have the fuse assembly already put together. But if not, cut a short piece of the power cable, enough to cover the distance from the battery to the fuse holder location, and strip the insulation off both ends. Crimp the terminal ring from your wiring kit to one end, and attach the fuse holder to the other end. Strip the insulation from the end of the wire that leads to your amp and attach it to the other end of your fuse holder. It’s important to keep the fuse close to the battery since the lead between the terminal and the fuse is unprotected.
In most vehicles, you can pass the power cable through the firewall that separates the engine compartment from the main cabin using an existing entry point. Once you're inside the cabin, tuck the power cable under trim panels or your carpet along one side of your vehicle until you reach your powered sub location.
Step #2: Running turn-on wire and signal cables
After running the power wire, the next thing to do is run the turn-on wire and signal cables. Both the turn-on wire and RCA signal cables need to be connected to your stereo. Run these cables behind the dash to your stereo. The turn-on wire connects to a remote turn-on wire in your stereo's wiring harness. It's usually blue, but confirm this with your owner's manual. Plug the RCA cables into the appropriate RCA outputs on your stereo.
Run these wires, the turn-on wire, and the RCA cable, down the opposite side of the car from the power wire. This will prevent electrical noise from entering your system and spoiling your music.
All of this assumes you have an aftermarket stereo with preamp outputs. If you have a factory stereo then you'll get the signal to your powered sub a different way. You’ll want to make sure your amp has speaker-level inputs and "signal sensing" turn-on capability. In this case, you can just tap into the speaker wires behind your stereo, or possibly the rear deck speakers. Either way, this will get signal to the powered sub’s built-in amp.
Step #3: Connect the ground wire
The third primary connection is the ground wire. This wire should be connected to the vehicle's chassis. Look for a nearby bolt that you can fasten the ground cable to. The ground wire terminal should be in contact with the vehicle's bare metal. Sand away any paint at the contact point for the best connection.
Step #4: Make your wiring connections
Now, mount your powered sub and make your connections. Try to use gentle curves with your wires and cables when possible to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
Before you fire it up to test, turn the built-in amp's gains all the way down. And reconnect your vehicle's negative battery terminal. Verify that the sub turns on when you start the car. Then you can play some music and set your gains.
If you have any questions about powered subs, please give Crutchfield a call.
Luke from CLOQUET
Posted on 5/20/2022
I purchased the kicker hideaway hs8 for my 2016 f150. What accessories would I need besides an amp wiring kit to install the powered sub to my factory head unit? Also note that I have already upgraded my 4 door speakers that are powered by a small amp installed behind the factory head unit.
Nat
Posted on 3/22/2022
Can I connect a powered sub to an amp? Would that cause issues? I'm looking to upgrade my sound system in my 10th Gen Civic Sedan and have the speakers and amp picked out but I also want to add an MTX Road Thunder RT8PT Powered Sub in the trunk. I plan on using the Pioneer GM-DX975 5 channel amp. I should just be able to plug and play the powered sub to the amp right?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 3/23/2022
JESSE HOLLEY from HOCKLEY
Posted on 3/21/2022
How to hook up a 12v Powered Sound Bar to a Powered 10'' Sub?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 3/22/2022
AL Martinez from Chino Hills, CA
Posted on 3/3/2022
I have installed a subwoofer amp to my 2022 Accord Sport and disconnected the ANC under the glove compartment to stop subwoofer feedback. Now I can't hear Siri or phone calls in CarPlay. What is the fix?? Very frustrating. Thank you.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 3/4/2022
Eric
Posted on 2/24/2022
Should I tap into both rear deck speakers for my LOC? It's 2 channel and I'm currently tapped into only the right speakers.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 2/25/2022
Mike Espina from Ewa Beach
Posted on 2/22/2022
I'm still confused with the tapping into speaker wires if you have a factory stero. I just bought Fosgate's p500 12p powered sub (second hand). Separately got decent 8 guage wiring kit from TopStrongGear which has good reviews and done research about it, and posi tap wire thing. Onto the issue. So I understand I have to tap into my speaker wires, and I found the wiring diagram for my specific vehicle. Although I'm really confused with how to wire Fosgates harness cable, if you have a factory head unit then the cables would be spliced for "High Level Input". Well sure, but do I need speaker wires for this case as well as like an extension to fosgates harness cable when tapping into my rear speakers for example, and does it have to be tapped into both left and right speakers instead on just one side? Sorry, but I've watched multiple youtube vids, gone through many review articles and even found a forum that made a somewhat step by step installtion. The amp wiring was striaght foward, but many of these guys were not very specific with the tapping into speakers.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 2/22/2022
Jay from Tarboro
Posted on 2/19/2022
How would I wire 2 powered subs together so I can put one under each seat?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 2/21/2022
Joshua Goodwin from Gulf Breeze
Posted on 2/14/2022
Do I use the SUB1 and SUB2 inputs on the back of my BOSS radio for the RCAS to my sound ordnance powered sub or do I use the FR FL OR RR RL inputs on the stereo?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 2/15/2022
Sam
Posted on 1/20/2022
I have the JBL basspro sl and I want to install it in my car. It is an 8" underseat woofer but I'm not sure what gauge wires to use?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 1/21/2022
Gunny from Toronto
Posted on 1/10/2022
Can i connect my jbl component speakers to jbl bass pro micro?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 1/11/2022