amp and subs install (hopefully)

[Kenneth]

hello again guys, I have a jl 500/1 amp, 2 12 inch jl W3's. where do i start the install? I've got the 12 gauge power wire with the fuse in it. and the silver 12 gauge ground wire and the little blu remote wire. i want to install this stuff in my 99 xls, i want to keep the stock radio for now because i think it will be impossable for me to set up my sony deck. i wanna try to do it while my wife is at work tomorrow. where do i start????
thanks

 

[ShadowA2J]

I would start by ditching that 12 gauge and buying at least some 8 gauge for your power and ground. Then you will also need to buy a line out converter.

 

[Cartman]

First get some better power wire, you have to use at least 8 gauge and 4 gauge would be better, use the same gauge for the ground.
For the actual install you need to tap into the rear speaker leads to get a signal to the amp.
I'd run the power wire down the driver side through a rubber grommet near the brake pedal and along the bottom of the door frame to the back.

 

[Kenneth]

sorry guys i just looked at it again and it is actually 4 gauge. I'm just a cook so i really need detailed instructions. whats this a hear about a factory amp??

 

[Cartman]

Go to this link and read the guide, it gives some good info,
http://www.crutchfield.com/download/S-IUZoPxDTJyV/CarGuide.html

For now keep the stock amp, when you install the new deck then you will have to bypass the stock amp but for now it is what powers the door speakers.

 

[liquidx9]

he has an XLS.... so as far as i know, no stock amp, he needs the line out converter though

 

[Kenneth]

whats a line out converter? where can i buy one, how much?

 

[M.Scott]

Check out the jlaudio.com site for more info. See the Sub addition to factory setup picture . Looking at the info on the 500/1 you do NOT need line output converters but do need to convert to RCA connector ends. It accepts up to 8 volts input and the factory head won't do more than that. But set the input voltage selector to the 800mv-8v section. What you need to do is find the rear speaker wires, either behind the head unit or at the doors/sill plate. Splice (Y configuration) into them and attach a female RCA end (radio shack) to both left & right one. Then get RCA patch cord from these new ends to the amp.

LeftRr+ (grey/blue) to center conductor on RCA1 connector.
LeftRr- (tan/yellow) to outer conductor on RCA1 connector
RightRr+ (orange/red) to center conductor on RCA2 connector.
RightRr- (brown/pink) to outer conductor on RCA2 connector

If you are chopping up an existing RCA cord to get the ends usually the red is center (+) and black is outer (-) And remember with this setup fading from front to back will effect sub volume

 

[Kevex]

I just posted some info that might be helpful in your other thread
Kevex

 

[Kenneth]

you guys have been a hell of a lotta help. I decided to install my sony HU in my X, The HU is installed along with amp and box. The only thing is my subs are not working, It sounds like the amp is powering the four factory speakers but no BOOM. any idea? When i took the system out of the pontiac i remember pulling two rca jacks from the HU and the amp. would that have anything to do with the subs? I didnt hook up the rca from the HU to the amp in the X. I'll try to trouble shoot later. I cant believe the Hu works with the amp. My first install woo hoo!!!! (just a cook.... HA)
later.

 

[Kenneth]

I tried the rca's in the x and still nothing the subs are barely working. WHAT ELSE can i do???? damn!!

 

[Kenneth]

WOO HOO!!!!!! I have no idea what i did but, I'm glad i did it it sounds twice as good in my X than it did in my grand am. all i have to do now is tweek the amp and everything will be cool. Once again... i want to say thanks to everybody who had something to say. yous guys kick a$$..

 

[silver stripe]

JUST A HEADS UP KEN
BEFORE YOU GO TO INSTALL THE HEAD UNIT, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IF YOU NEED A PRIEMUM AUDIO CONVERTER, I NEEDED 1 FOR MY X, AND I WENT WITH THE CHEAP ONE, NOT THE FANCY POWERED ONE AND IT WORKS JUST FINE.
PRIEMUM AUDIO IS A FUNKEY CONNECTER WHERE THE SPEAKERS RUN IN TO THE FACTORY DECK AND NEED TO BE CHANGED TO NORMAL WIRES, TO CONNECT TO YOUR DECK. WHAT EVER YOU DO, DONT CUT THE PREMUM AUDIO CABLE OR YOUR LOOKING AT A FULL NEW WIRING JOB