Joseph Weaver The Subaru WRX is a popular sports car that comes with a factory amplifier system. While the factory system may sound good, many car enthusiasts prefer to upgrade their car audio for better sound quality and performance. Installing an aftermarket amplifier and speakers can drastically improve the listening experience of your Subaru WRX, but rewiring the remote turn-on for the amplifier may be necessary.
In this article, we will discuss how to rewire the remote turn-on for your Subaru WRX amplifier. We will cover the basics of car audio systems, the importance of the remote turn-on wire, and the steps to safely and correctly rewire the remote turn-on for an aftermarket amplifier.
Understanding Car Audio Systems
Before we dive into the details of rewiring the remote turn-on for your Subaru WRX amplifier, it is important to understand the basics of car audio systems. Car audio systems are made up of several components, including the head unit, amplifier, speakers, and wiring.
The head unit is the control center for the car stereo and is responsible for playing music and controlling settings. The amplifier is the component that boosts the signal from the head unit and sends it to the speakers. The speakers are the final component that converts the electrical signal into sound waves.
The wiring in a car audio system is responsible for connecting all the components and transmitting the electrical signals between them. The wiring includes power and ground wires, speaker wires, and the remote turn-on wire.
Importance of the Remote Turn-On Wire
The remote turn-on wire is a small wire that sends a signal to the amplifier to turn on when the car stereo is turned on. The remote turn-on wire is usually connected to the head unit and sends a low voltage signal to the amplifier when the head unit turns on.
Without the remote turn-on wire, the amplifier would not know when to turn on and would not play any sound. This wire is important for ensuring that the amplifier turns on and off with the car stereo and prevents the amplifier from draining the car battery when the car is turned off.
Rewiring the Remote Turn-On for Subaru WRX Amplifier
If you have upgraded your Subaru WRX with an aftermarket amplifier and speakers, you may need to rewire the remote turn-on wire for the amplifier. The factory amplifier in the Subaru WRX is located under the passenger seat and can be bypassed or rewired for aftermarket upgrades.
To rewire the remote turn-on for your Subaru WRX amplifier, you will need a few tools and the correct wire gauge and connectors. Here are the steps to follow:
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Disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery to prevent electrical shock and damage to your car and equipment.
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Locate the factory amplifier under the passenger seat and find the remote turn-on wire. The remote turn-on wire is usually blue with a white stripe.
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Cut the remote turn-on wire close to the factory amplifier and strip about half an inch of insulation from the ends of the wire.
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Connect one end of the remote turn-on wire to the remote turn-on input on the aftermarket amplifier using a butt connector or soldering.
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Connect the other end of the remote turn-on wire to the remote turn-on output on the head unit using a butt connector or soldering.
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Test the system by turning on the car stereo and checking that the amplifier turns on with the car stereo.
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Secure all the wires and components, and double-check all connections to ensure they are tight and secure.
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Reconnect the negative terminal of the car battery and test the system again to ensure it is working correctly.
Safety Precautions
When working with car audio systems, it is important to take safety precautions to prevent electrical shock and damage to your car and equipment. Before starting any work on your car audio system, always disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery. This will prevent electrical shock and damage to your car and equipment.
It is also important to use the correct wire gauge and connectors when rewiring the remote turn-on for your Subaru WRX amplifier. Using the wrong wire gauge or connectors can cause electrical problems, overheating, and even fires.
FAQs
Can I bypass the factory amplifier in my Subaru WRX?
Yes, you can bypass the factory amplifier in your Subaru WRX by connecting the speaker wires directly to an aftermarket head unit or amplifier. This will bypass the factory amplifier and allow you to install aftermarket components.
How do I know if my amplifier is turning on with the car stereo?
You can test if your amplifier is turning on with the car stereo by checking the power LED on the amplifier. If the LED turns on when the car stereo is turned on, the amplifier is receiving power and turning on correctly.
Can I use a different color wire for the remote turn-on?
While the remote turn-on wire is usually blue with a white stripe, you can use a different color wire as long as it is connected to the correct inputs and outputs on the amplifier and head unit.
