How to wire a car stereo to the car amp

How to Wire a Car Stereo to the Car Amp
Wiring ProcessContributor
By Tyson Simmons

eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (0 Ratings)
Wiring your vehicle's stereo to the amp can be a confusing process. However, you want to make sure to do it right to prevent shorts and other problems in the future. With the right tools, you can cleanly complete the wiring process and have your audio sounding great in no time at all.

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Difficulty: ModerateInstructionsThings You'll Need:
Standard grade audio wiring Standard grade audio power wiring Small, sharp pocket knife Wire crimpers Wire clippers Soldering iron Copper solder
Step 1String out your audio wiring from the stereo to the amplifier. Make sure to keep the wiring out of view and under carpeting, vehicle walls and other enclosed spaces. Also, tape the wiring to a surface about every foot or so using electrical tape. This just helps keep the wiring tidy and organized.

Step 2Using the wire clippers, cut the wire a few inches past the stereo, and a few inches past the amp. This just gives a little more room in case you make a mistake connecting the ends or soldering.

Step 3Take the pocket knife and cut an incision in the rubber coating all the way round the wire, about half an inch from the end on both sides. Then use the wire crimpers to pull the rubber off the wire itself.

Step 4Connect and wrap the ends of the wiring on both ends to the recievers on the stereo and the amp. After you have them fully wrapped, solder a small bead over the top of the wire end to keep it in place.

Step 5String the power wiring out along the same line as you did the audio wiring. Use a little more electrical tape when securing the power wiring, though, because it tends to be stiffer than the audio wiring.

Step 6Again, cut the wiring a few inches past the stereo and the amp.

Step 7Trim and crimp the wiring just as you did with the audio wiring. Then, connect it to both power recievers and solder a small bead over the top. Solder a bit extra, as the power wiring has a tendency to become corrupted before the audio wiring.

Step 8Make sure that all wiring is completely covered.