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How to Hook up a Car Subwoofer

by Kate Evelyn

  • Overview

    If you're looking for your audio to have heavy, deep bass, the subwoofer will serve as the heart of your car stereo system. Though it sits politely in the trunk in most cases, it most certainly makes sure that it is heard. Before you install your subwoofer you will need to install an amp to power it. Both of these pieces of equipment are viable investments, especially if you're a fan of beat-heavy music.

  • Instructions

 

  • Step 1

    Start by finding an appropriate subwoofer for your tastes. You need to find one with a sound that you like and a size that will fit in your vehicle. (Common sizes are eight, 10, 12 and 15 inches.) If the sub doesn't come in an enclosure, you will need to purchase that as well. You can't simply have it knocking about in your trunk. Good places to look are Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears and Tweeter. Of course, independent car audio shops work just as well or even better. These shops should have the cable and connectors you need, too.

  • Step 2

    If you bought the sub and enclosure separately you will need to run speaker cable from the speaker terminals to the connector posts on the enclosure. To do this, use your soldering iron to solder the connectors to the speaker to ensure they don't come loose, and then solder them to the posts. Make sure you keep the positive and ground connections straight and put them in their proper places.

  • Step 3

    Next, run the speaker cable from the amp to the speaker again, making sure to keep the ground and positive wires straight, as before. Use your wire strippers to strip away enough of the cable for you to have room to secure a spade connector. Place the spade connector end of the speaker cable into the connectors on the amp.

  • Step 4

    Attach the other end of the speaker cable to the speaker box. Use a spring clip, banana clip or spade clip, depending on the connector type used on the enclosure.

  • Step 5

    Make sure all of the connections are tight so there is no risk of them coming undone while you're driving. Then turn on the car to test your work.
  • 2
  • Subwoofer Enclosure Speaker wire Soldering iron (if needed) Screwdriver Spade connectors Wire strippers
  • Subwoofer
  • Enclosure
  • Speaker wire
  • Soldering iron (if needed)
  • Screwdriver
  • Spade connectors
  • Wire strippers
  • You can simply lay your speaker box in the trunk or you can screw it into the bottom of the trunk to ensure that it doesn't move.
  • You can simply lay your speaker box in the trunk or you can screw it into the bottom of the trunk to ensure that it doesn't move.
  • Always disconnect the car's battery before you start working on the stereo to avoid electrocuting yourself. Wear gloves when using the wire strippers. The metal insides can be murder on the hands and arms.
  • Always disconnect the car's battery before you start working on the stereo to avoid electrocuting yourself.
  • Wear gloves when using the wire strippers. The metal insides can be murder on the hands and arms.
     
     
 
 

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