[jpd37]

I recently bought a Kenwood sub-woofer that I want to install in my 95 Contour (beater car). It is a package unit with a built-in amp. It is a 10" diameter cylinder style unit. Installation instructions did not come with it. I'd like to connect it to my factory radio for fun. Does anyone know what wires I need and what connects to what? Thanks for your help!

[53_belair]

Does your sub have inputs for an rca connection? If not you will need to go to your favorite store(walmart, shucks, ect.) and pick up an amp install kit. On the electrical hookups on the sub there should be 3 of them. You are going to need one run from the positive side of you battery to your trunk(or where ever you are to put it), one will be a ground to the body where you decide to put it, and one will be a 12v source only positive when key is on(I usually go into the fuse box) Last but not least you will need to hook up some speaker wires from one of the speakers. Hope this helps.

[WakBordr7387]

Just another thing to add to the last post.
Does the amplifier have RCA inputs or speaker inputs on it?
The RCA inputs will look similar to what a television would have. if it does, then you will need a line output converter (bout $20) and it will wire into the stock speaker wires and change it over to the RCA jacks to hook it all up. This can be done behind the stereo deck or back by some speakers, the choice is yours.
But the amp could also have the speaker inputs instead of the RCA jacks. Where you just run wire from the stock speakers for it. Basically wired like what I just said about the line output converter.


Brad

[jpd37]

My radio is a factory original. I suspect it does not have the rca outputs. The sub has rca inputs.
What size wire for the power feed? For the ground? For the 12V source?

I bought a monster cable that I guess will be used for the speaker connections. The sales rep mentioned something about isolating the speaker wires from the power feeds. OK, but how much space is enough? I really don't want to tear out my whole interior for a couple if wires.

[docvette]

Doc here,

Your Radio SHOULD have RCA outputs , being as it is a 95 Contour, look at the back of the radio, they will most likely be the unused harness bundle.

As for Isolation..Provide as much distance from ANY power wires AND Computer wires (Clock Frequency will induce a "Whine or Buzz" from a computer)as you can..(advise running them through the right wire tunnel under the right side door / Carpet hold downs, Down the right side the car, power down the left.)

Use Shielded cable and Ground Terminate Them at ONLY one end (The audio source end) and Daisy Chain the other end shields..If you ground BOTH ends, it may ground loop on you. (Audio noise traveling up one shield and down another looking for ground).

Doc

[jpd37]

OK Thanks DOC! I think I'm pickin up what you're layin' down. As soon as this heat drops off, I'll give it a go and see what happens.