[leo5102]

how do install a amp in my fj? I have all the wires ran but I don't know where to hook up the remote and rca wires that come from the amp. Does anyone know where to tap into to make a kenword amp work with the factory sterio?

 

[CORYRSNOWMAN]

for remote turn on you can take a voltage probe to the wiring harness on the head unit and see if a wire comes hot when sterio is turned on. but you have to be careful about how much amperage your remote wire draws. you could blow something. i would use a relay. the easiest way is to just find a hot wire that comes on with your ignition you can find one in the fuse panel down by the kick pannel. just use an add-a-circuit. for rca signal to the amp you'll have to use a line converter since the factory sterio does not have rca outputs. (at least i dont think it does) that will also need power and a ground and maybe switched power also.

 

[easelman]

I dont think there is a write up on HOW TO INSTALL AN AMP.

A lot of pics of them installed but no real how to for a beginner.

 

[inabalikbayanbox]

i'd also like to see a write up for installing an amp.

 

[BLUE TONKA]

Find a spot on the fuse block that is switch 12V+ and connect the wire to that (fuse it). Remote is just 12V+ sent from the headunit to the amp to tell it when to turn on. This will suffice. If your ignition is switched to "on" then your amps will turn on.

For RCA's, thats a tuffy, since your stock headunit sends hilevel outputs. You're best bet would be to pick up an OEM processor or line output converter. JL makes a CleanSweep processor as well as Rockford Fosgate 3SIXTY.1 and .2

Line converters are morely used for subs though (unless thats what you are doing). You splice the line converter into one of your speaker wires and it converts the signal to low output (RCA). Then you run that to your amps.

 

[BigEd78]

I am getting ready to do the same thing and here is what Im going to do.

First, the power wire from the factory harness is not big enough. You will need at least an 8 gauge, up tp 400 watts above that you will need a 4 gauge, wire that has a fuse block with 18" of the battery. Then you will need to run an 8 gauge for the ground no longer than 24"

Second you will need to find a ignition input spot, it can either come strait from the fuse panel of the head unit.

Third you will need to buy a line output converter that will change the factory speaker wire signal into a usable rca output. I own a Tsunami line output converter and it cost less than $20.00.

I have tried to ask several time if someone makes a wiring harness that will just hook up to the factory one but no one know if they do. I am curious if the factory wiring harness has an ignition that would work the factory amp. If so it would make running that ignition wire a lot easier. Also would keep me from having to splice into anything.

 

[NestahEdition]

I am getting ready to do the same thing and here is what Im going to do.

First, the power wire from the factory harness is not big enough. You will need at least an 8 gauge, up tp 400 watts above that you will need a 4 gauge, wire that has a fuse block with 18" of the battery. Then you will need to run an 8 gauge for the ground no longer than 24"

Second you will need to find a ignition input spot, it can either come strait from the fuse panel of the head unit.

Third you will need to buy a line output converter that will change the factory speaker wire signal into a usable rca output. I own a Tsunami line output converter and it cost less than $20.00.

I have tried to ask several time if someone makes a wiring harness that will just hook up to the factory one but no one know if they do. I am curious if the factory wiring harness has an ignition that would work the factory amp. If so it would make running that ignition wire a lot easier. Also would keep me from having to splice into anything.

If you don't mine crimping or soldering, here is an eBay source for wiring harness with RCA line output;

eBay Motors: Toyota Radio Amp/Amplifier interface Harness Adapter (item 350083633774 end time Aug-03-08 19:05:13 PDT)

 

[NestahEdition]

For amplifier installation, here is a good kit from Crutchfield for $59.99;

EFX 4-gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit Power and signal connections for your new amp at Crutchfield.com

 

[headknocker]

And here's another wiring kit from Parts Express:

Parts Express3 4 AWG Platinum Amplifier Kit

You may be able to find something even cheaper on ebay.

 

[NestahEdition]

I made my own radio wiring harness with amplifier interface/adapter

I used telephone butt crimp connectors to join the wires and to make the bundle thinner.

I added/spliced the SCOSCHE LOC-80 car stereo speaker level converter with adjustable output level.

The finished wiring harness.