Sub Amp Install - need a bit of advise

[flyrevs]

I ranked out the bose sub (under the passenger seat) in my 06 Mazda 3 hatch, it was only a 5" sub and sounded like crap, the system sounds a lot better without it. I want to install a real sub and amp now.
A few questions:
1)Where can I poke thru the firewall to run my +12v cable? I really don't want to drill a new hole.
2) any way to get a remote turn-on signal from the stock radio? I want my amp to turn on when the stock HU is on.
3) where to get a signal for my amp? Use the high level sub output? or is there a better way?

Thanks for any help

 

[WetsuitxNinja]

1) left hand side of the engine bay there is a huge grommet that goes through the firewall. Just cut a hole through that.
2) Unless someone knows off hand what color the wire is, you may need to get a dmm and figure that one out. Im sure someone will have the answer
3) Get a LOC

On a side note you can fit a fairly good sized amp under the front seats...

 

[flyrevs]

Found the big firewall rubber passthru, poke my power wire thru there - worked good!
OK amp too big for under seat, moved to trunk.
Use LOC (Wallmart - $17) works good.
Last problem now, how do I get remote turn on? I got a switch wired up now but I don't want to have to turn it on/off so it just temporary. Really nee to know how to get a remote on signal from HU.
Thank anyone for your help on this!

 

[y0sky]

I always tap a wire in the fuse box that only has power when the iginition is on like wiper or something like that.

 

[DeanSweet]

you could use something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SOUNDGATE-TRIGDLYA-Amp-Turn-On-Delay_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38636QQitemZ8026266554QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V
and hook it up to your accessories fuse.

I would normally suggest suggest the power antenna but I don't believe the Mazda3 radio would even have one and most radios dont leave the antenna up when you switch to CD. You could prolly find this same device at local best buy, circuit city or radio shack.

-Dean

 

[Breeegz]

I always tap a wire in the fuse box that only has power when the iginition is on like wiper or something like that.

I agree... Just tap into any 12 volt line that only has power with the key on.

Or you can use the ACC line for your stock radio (red or yellow, check it with a meter first)

 

[DeanSweet]

that can lead to pop or thump when turning on the stereo...

 

[flyrevs]

OK acc from stock HU is what I need, anyone remember a thread about how to get to the radio harness?
Thanks

 

[WetsuitxNinja]

Gotta pull out the stock HU first, harness is right there. If no one gets you an answer as to color of the IGN wire, ill pull my HU out and find out for you.

 

[scuzzy19]

Okay I just did an amp install this weekend and the wire that you need to tap into behind the Stock HU is the Orange with black stripes or dots thats the one I have my amp tapped into and works great got some wire joiners from walmart cost me like two bucks crimps directly into the cable without having to severe it completely

 

[flyrevs]

Okay I just did an amp install this weekend and the wire that you need to tap into behind the Stock HU is the Orange with black stripes or dots thats the one I have my amp tapped into and works great got some wire joiners from walmart cost me like two bucks crimps directly into the cable without having to severe it completely

Mucho thanks a lot - you rule!
This is exactly what I need to know, now I can get rid of my switch under the seat!!!!

 

[scuzzy19]

Haha Glad I can help man Hope all works out well

 

[Lord Ikon]

Found the big firewall rubber passthru, poke my power wire thru there - worked good!
OK amp too big for under seat, moved to trunk.
Use LOC (Wallmart - $17) works good.
Last problem now, how do I get remote turn on? I got a switch wired up now but I don't want to have to turn it on/off so it just temporary. Really nee to know how to get a remote on signal from HU.
Thank anyone for your help on this!

In my old system I used a 12v positive and just put a switch on it. This had it's ups and downs. The positive side was that if the system was getting warm I could just switch it off while driving, and leave the rest of my stereo running normally. The only real downside was that if I forgot to switch it off it drained the batt, although very slowly. The only time it effected me was when I sent my car to the mechanics for about 12 days, when I got the car back the batt was dead.........and the car was broken into and the stereo was stolen! But that part has nothing to do with the switch

 

[blondee_yvr]

Looking for advice myself

See post # 79 on what, if anything I can do inexpensively: http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123625307&page=6

 

[neoturner]

The universal car audio forum has stickys that would have answered all the questions you had here.

 

[blondee_yvr]

The universal car audio forum has stickys that would have answered all the questions you had here.

Do you have a link to the universal car audio forum?