Tips for using your car's factory wiring
by Crutchfield's Buck Pomerantz
Adding an amplifier to a factory stereo often requires running a lot of new speaker wire — from the stereo to the amplifier and then from the amp to the speakers. This can feel like an impossible nightmare. Fortunately, we have a way to make it a little easier.
Note: This article explains how to connectan amplifier to a factory stereo system that does not include a factory amp. ACrutchfield article about connecting an amp to a factory-amplified system will become available soon.
If you have an aftermarket stereo, you'll use a set of RCA cables instead of one of the 9-wire cables below.Refer to our article about adding an amp to an aftermarket stereofor more details.
Multi-conductor cable to the rescue
Usually, you'll be installing a4-channel amplifier with speaker-level inputs. The best way to connect it to a factory system is to tap into the stereo's speaker outputs for the amp's input signal. Then send the amp's outputs back to the stereo's harness, and on to the speakers through the factory wiring.
"All-in-one" Crutchfield 9-wire speaker cablemakes this easier by including the wiring for four speakers and an amp turn-on lead all in one cable. Run two of these cables from the dash to your new amplifier. You'll need one for the amp's input and the other for its output. These cables will act like a "T-harness" to connect your amp to the factory system.
Remove the radio to get to the factory wiring
Behind the factory radio, you can access all of the speaker wires in one place. The radio's wiring harness delivers power to the radio and sends its output to the speakers. You'll need to identify which wire goes to which speaker. Positive leads are usually solid-colored wires, while their accompanying negative leads tend to be the same color with a stripe of a second color.
Please be aware that these wiring colors vary widely from one car to the next.If you purchase your new gear from Crutchfield, our Tech Support team can look up the wire colors for you. Give us a call before you tear apart your dash, so you'll know what to expect.
Connect the wires
Once you've identified each of the eight speaker wires, cut each one. Connect the end coming from the radio plug to a new wire going to the amp's input. Connect the end going to the speakers to the appropriate wire coming from the amp's output.
That means you'll use two of the 9-wire cables, one for the amp's input, the other for its output.
Amplifier in/out via 9-conductor cables go to the right, radio plugs in at top, and vehicle wiring goes left. (Even with my challenged eyesight and shaky hands it only took me about 40 minutes to wire this harness for illustration.)
Forget the turn-on lead
Amplifiers that have speaker-level inputs also feature "signal-sensing turn-on." The amp turns on when an input signal is present. This means you don't use the ninth wire (the blue wire) of either cable for this installation.
Something you may need
Sometimes after you cut the factory speaker wiring, the radio will shut down, because it can't detect any speakers connected to it. To solve this issue, you must install a load generating device on each output channel, so the radio will operate properly.
Expert installation tip
Before you run these two 9-wire cables through your car, mark both ends of one cable with a piece of electrical tape. That way, once the cables are in place, you'll know which of those cables is for the amp inputs and which is for the amp outputs.
Some products to help you do it
Our favorite option is theCrutchfield9-wire cable shown abovebecause each set of speaker wires is color coded. We also carry a selection of highly conductive, pure copper speaker wire, available by the foot, if you prefer that.
A multi-pack of Posi-Products Car Stereo Connectors could come in handy here. You can make all the speaker connections without having to solder or crimp anything. One package will cover this job and give you a few spares.
PAC Audio offers a few vehicle-specific T-harnesses that'll help you add an amplifier to a select number of vehicles with non-amplified factory stereos. 9-wire cable will also come in handy for these installations, in order to connect your aftermarket amp's inputs and outputs to the system.
High power amps need bigger wires
For amps with more than 75 watts RMS of output per channel, it might be better to go ahead and run new 14- or 16-gauge speaker wires directly from the amplifier to each speaker.
Factory speaker wires are very thin, with high electrical resistance. They can cause noticeable power loss when higher wattages try to get through. But amplifiers of 75-watts or less aren't really affected by this. Running their outputthrough factory wiring remains a practical and convenient solution.
Line output converters
Another popular way to connect an amplifier to a factory radio is to use something called a line output converter. It connects to the factory radio's speaker wires and converts the speaker-level signal to a preamp-level signal. This lets youuse RCA cables to run that signal to your amplifier.
A line output converter offers some advantages, like the ability to sum and control signals of a multi-channel factory system.So if you're upgrading a complex system, using a line output converter might be your best option. The speaker wire solution we've shared here is a simpler, less-expensive alternative that will work for most people. Read more about line output converters.
Let us know what you need
This article focused on a way to simplify the speaker connections. For information about other aspects of amplifier installation, like power and ground wiring, check out our Amplifier Installation Guide.
If you have any questions about connecting a new amplifier to your speakers, contact our advisors via chat or phone. They'll take the time to answer your questions and explain the details, then get you set up with whatever you need.
Comments (139)
Please share your thoughts below.
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Michael Johnston
Posted on 12/31/2023
I have a 2009 lincoln mks and I want to run a app for my highs..I have subs hooked up already using a Lc21 and the bass hits nice but it out my highs so I'm wanting to run more power to my highs to get a nice clear balance.
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John Winchester from Des Moines
Posted on 11/19/2023
I own a 2023 jeep compass which unfortunately is designed to prevent owners from installing an aftermarket stereo. This being the case I'm wondering if I can utilize my previous cars system that I put together. I have two amps one for my subs and one for the four door speakers. I also have a dsp and an epicenter. If I can implement one or all of these I would really appreciate any suggestions or input on the least complicated process. If it's somewhat unavoidable I will take on the challenge. My cars very new and I don't want to attempt anything to invasive if possible, plus I'm not sure there is an easy way to access the stereo harness due to ridiculous style of stereo head unit. Any input suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 11/20/2023
John, We do not recommend replacing the radio in that vehicle, although there's probably an aftermarket amp replacement harness and module available. With questions like this, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. Give us a call and talk to one of our Advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.
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Carlos from Teaneck NJ
Posted on 9/23/2023
I have a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4Xe with the alpine audio. I have an Alpine MRV-M500 amp that I want to install to power a 10 inch alpine type R. I'm trying to find where I can tap into the factory speaker wires so I can use the amp's speaker level input to get signal. I ordered the wiring guide from Crutchfield, but it's for the grand Cherokee L. Is there any way of doing this?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 9/25/2023
Carlos, It looks like a good place to get signal for your sub amp is the wiring for the rear door speakers. Your factory system is amplified, so you'll probably need a line output converter for your amp to handle the amount of signal available. Give us a call and talk to one of our Advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.
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Richard Parvin from Florence
Posted on 9/3/2023
I only received speaker wire. I wasn't recommended the all in one 9 wire.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 9/5/2023
Richard, If you didn't get what you wanted from Crutchfield, give us a call so you can set up an exchange for the product you do want.
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Justin Lytle from Wataga
Posted on 6/18/2023
Hello I recently bought a 2023 sonata n line with the premium bose system. I ordered a Kicker 49PTRTP12 from you guys. My question is do I use an loc and tap into the factory sub wires. If so do I tap into them going into or coming out of the factory amp. Also which loc do I need as it seems there are a few options. Also where do I run the remote wire from to get to the aftermarket sub/amp.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 6/19/2023
Justin, When you buy gear from Crutchfield you also get free tech support for the life of the equipment. Give us a call, so we can help you with your install.
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Larry from North Carolina
Posted on 3/14/2023
Hi, I have a 2011 mini Cooper with the Harmon Kardon system. I am looking to add a line output converter and found the two rear woofer outputs from the amp. Would those be ok to hook up to an adjustable loc? The adjustment seems to control gain which I would say would be good to prevent "clipping". Not looking to reroute every wire and the wiring diagrams from the radio to the amp are vague at best they do not show their respective outputs from the head unit.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 3/15/2023
Larry, You don't say why you want to add a line output converter to your factory system, but if it's to add a subwoofer amp, using the factory woofer signals for its input will probably work fine.
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Dan Schaut from LAS VEGAS
Posted on 2/16/2023
I have a premium factory stereo with factory amp. 10 speakers. Will the new Jensen mini amp 4 channel work with it? It has built in DSP. I would like to hook it up to my 2 front and 2 rear speakers. I have a mono amp with 15" sub already. Just need more highs. I have 4 DD 6.5" 4ohm speakers
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 2/17/2023
Dan, The Jensen JA4B amp's high-level inputs will work using the signal from an analog receiver's output. But to retain all your factory system's features, you'll want to get signal from the factory amplifier's outputs - and that will take using a Line Output Converter to process the signal so your new amp can handle it.
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Berry from Chicago
Posted on 2/13/2023
What Fuse can I tap into with my remote wire using the Line output converter on a 2010 Lincoln MKS
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 2/14/2023
Berry, We can't tell you for sure without knowing what LOC, amp, or how you're interfacing your aftermarket gear with the factory amplified system. For help tapping into fuse boxes, check out How to tap into a car fuse box
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Alyssa Blizzard from Sturgis
Posted on 2/7/2023
Tried upgrading my audio system. In need of desperate help. I was trying to keep my factory head unit and splice into my rear speakers with a LOC , I ran all of the wires correctly, I thought. As soon as everything was together and power ran through it I heard a loud POP and smelled something burning. I now have zero sound in any speakers but still power to my radio. I've checked all fuses, I do not have a factory amp, I tested the speakers to see if they blew and they did not, where is my sound???
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 2/8/2023
Alyssa, It's possible you left the factory receiver's powered output connected to the speakers while also connecting an aftermarket amp to them as well. That would probably damage either or both devices' output electronics. Or the receiver needed resistive loads attached and blew its output section. Sounds like you need a new radio. Give us a call and an Advisor will help you get back on the air.
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Daniel B Schaut from LAS VEGAS
Posted on 2/3/2023
I am installing a 4 channel amp to my factory stereo. I have a 4 channel line output converter to RCA that will connect to input on amp? Than I will use 9 wire from out put to behind stereo and patch that onto newly ran 14 guage speaker wire. I already have a 15" sub and amp installed. I am just using 2 distribution blocks 1 for power and 1 for ground in back for both amps. Does this sound right? Thank you
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