DIY: Install New Amp & Sub

Sorry for bumping this old thread, but am excited to tackle this this weekend. Can someone please explain in laymens term the following step? I was following everything and thought at this point we were still running a positive back to the amp. I get this amp is talking about installing a negative, and I have had subs before so understand grounding the negative, but am confused why this step is here? So at this point is the positive run all the way back and were starting on the negative and connecting them both to the amp? thanks!<br><br>4. Using a 4AWG wire, for the negative, connect a wire Lug at the end.
Make sure the wire is as short as possible, otherwise you will get
engine noise. Bolt down the wire using one of the existing bolts under
the back seat. If possible, shave some of the paint away for the
connector to directly touch the chassis of the car. Make sure the Bolt
is really tight. Use some Vaseline to cover the exposed metal and around
the connector to keep from rusting and oxidation after you bolt it down
firmly.<br><br>
 
Not exactly sure what are you trying to ask from reading your post. If you're asking about the positive wire from the battery and the negative wire grounding it to the body. If so, you need to run a 4AWG or 8AWG wire directly from the battery positive terminal to where you mount your amp and connect that positive wire to the positive terminal of your amp to power the amp. Get another 4AWG or 8AWG wire (preferably different color), connect one end of this wire to the amp's negative/ground terminal, and connect the other end of this wire from the amp's negative/ground terminal to a bare metal of the car body. Try to make this ground wire run short to avoid ground loop noise.
 
got it - i was just trying to clarify this step

Not exactly sure what are you trying to ask from reading your post. If you're asking about the positive wire from the battery and the negative wire grounding it to the body. If so, you need to run a 4AWG or 8AWG wire directly from the battery positive terminal to where you mount your amp and connect that positive wire to the positive terminal of your amp to power the amp. Get another 4AWG or 8AWG wire (preferably different color), connect one end of this wire to the amp's negative/ground terminal, and connect the other end of this wire from the amp's negative/ground terminal to a bare metal of the car body. Try to make this ground wire run short to avoid ground loop noise.
 
trying to connect a sony XM1252GTR

The reply below applies to 2nd gen FX

I've got a free sony XM1252GTR + Sony subwoofer from a friend, and decided to install them in my car.
connected everything as per diagram, but it doesn't work.
definitely there is signal on green and red wires on connector B51
tried to connect 9V battery to subwoofer and it makes some noise, so it's working.
The amp has the lights on, so the power comes to it.
not sure how to test the output on BTL.

if possible, please advise.

otherwise I'll declare the amp dead and will have to buy a new one :bulgy-eyes::smile (2):mhgl8y.png
 
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Just used your writeup to install a Cerwin Vega VPSTX12 as my first mod to my FX. I bought an amp install kit and really only needed the ground and power cable so it's probably cheaper to just buy those, some butt connectors, and the power cable lug.

Thanks for sharing!
 
I wish I had seen this BEFORE installing my CW 12" sub. lol! But I did figure out the wiring. I followed this youtube DIY:
and the factory wiring to make sure I had the right feeds to the speaker inputs (high level) and etc. Basically used these wires from the factory harness:
pink = remote wire
black = speaker -
white = speaker +
 

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