j2tha0e

hey, i wanna install a powered subwoofer in my trunk, and i need a power source. i was thinking of splicing the CD changer power wires or maybe even the trunk light wires. i really dun feel like running a line from my trunk to the front of the car for a direct line.
any input?

EGainer

You need a power source, run a cable straight to the battery, thats what I did. Ran it undr the seat and under the bottom door frame and up into the engine bay. Pretty easily done it seems. Let me know...

Kyle Harty

iTrader: (17)

If the sub's amp is drawing any significant amount of power, which a reasonable sized amp would; you'll want a power wire run directly from the battery. 8 guage would probably be your best option, you don't want a real small wire which won't be able to handle the current needed.

I'm not sure where to run through the firewall, my power wire is in a conduit underneath the car, but you should be able to run 8 guage through an existing grommet in the firewall, then under the carpet. You should easily be able to get 8 guage along the side of the car by pulling up the side moldings and taking out the back seat to get to the trunk.

j2tha0e

got it...thanks guys. i guess running a line from the front to the back is the only way to go. time to take out the screwdriver.

IrockLex

How exactly do you remove the whole back seat? Is there a way to do that?

j2tha0e

i just installed a powered sub into my trunk yesterday. it was an 8" bazooka tube. i think it's a piece of crap, but it did make a good thump. i took out the back seat by just popping up the bottom of the seat. it's one of those famous "pop" hinges in the es300. there is one "pop" hinge on each side of the seat. (left and right)
anyway...the tube didn't need much power, so i used a nice 12 guage wire and ran it under the side moldings, and when i got to the firewall....i couldn't find a place to run it.
oh well...
my solution was kinda risky.
i took that wire that i ran out, and just started looking around the trunk for a red wire. i found one.
ended up taking out the trunk light, and using the red wire from there. no problems....yet.
i wonder if i'm getting enough power from there.
anyone know where a hole in the firewall is? i'm gonna need one. the tube is just a training sub.

NYC ES3

iTrader: (7)

You can poke a hole through the large rubber where the steering column goes through the firewall. punch a small hole an push your wire through there is nothing on the other side to pierce or damage and its kinda easy to get to ...once you stick your wire through you can just reach down there and pull the rest through.

At least thats what I did .....works fine

j2tha0e

that is great, i will try that tomorrow. thank you for that input.

j2tha0e

i've just got a direct power line from my battery.
i didn't use the steering coloum thing however. on the passenger side, in the engine bay, there's a large group of wires with a rubber seal. i just slid the wire through there. i thought it was better than poking a hole in the steering coloum seal.

NYC ES3

iTrader: (7)

thats Kool,

Hey whatever works....
As long as you got your power. They hole I punched was really tight so the wire is snug in there.
But that is kool that you found a way. Its always a pain figuring a way through the firewall......

Lexbox

If you are right in front of the engine look closely in the top right corner for an oval shape "punched" out of the firewall. I think it may be hiding behind some matting against the firewall. For any major power wires drill a hole right in the center. Dont forget to a drill a pilot hole b/c its at a slight angle. I didnt and scratched my paint a little bit