Questions about factory Subs hookup

**JimmyFitz** · 01-17-2008, 11:04 PM

I am going to replace my factory head unit with aftermarket and I am not sure what is the best way to connect to the existing factory subwoofer in my car (2002 Ford Thunderbird which has similar sound system to Lincoln LS). I got a reciever and adapter from Crutchfield. The sub adapter has only one RCA plug.

Question 1: Should I hook it to the reciever preamp output left channel, right, or use a Y-adapter to connect it to both? If I connect to both, would that endanger the reciever since the two channels would then be shorted together?

Question 2: I have been told by someone with a similar car (different year) that their subs amp used a 5V enable instead of 12V and until they installed a 5V regulator, they had a really loud pop when the system first turned on. Has anyone seen the need for this kind of voltage level conversion on thier systems?

I asked both of these questions of a Crutchfield advisor but the answer to both was something like "Yes, you might need to try that."

Thanks for any input.

**JimmyFitz** · 01-18-2008, 03:17 PM

Anyone have any suggestions?

**pokki** · 01-18-2008, 03:34 PM

This forum is dedicated to CarPCs and installing them in your car.

The car audio forum is dedicated to integrating your car audio system with your CarPC.

For specific questions related to car audio equipment systems that do not include CarPCs, I would recomend checking out car audio specific forums:

http://www.elitecaraudio.com
http://www.carsound.com
http://www.caraudioforum.com
http://forum.sounddomain.com
http://www.realcaraudio.com
http://www.carstereo.com
http://www.caraudiomag.com
http://www.termpro.com
http://www.the12volt.com
http://www.talkaudio.co.uk
http://www.caraudiosecurity.com
et. al.

There is a chance that someone on here might have an answer for you, I would just hate for you to wait around for it when I know you could get an answer much quicker on a dedicated forum.

Good luck.

**jontz** · 01-18-2008, 07:55 PM

I have a 2000 Lincoln LS with the factory subs, and it does use a +5V turn on for the factory amp. You can feed it with 12V at your own risk, but I would highly recommed finding a way to feed it using 5V as you will eventually burn out the remote turn on section of the amp.

As for feeding signal to the amp, I would definitely use a Y adapter and use both preamp outputs. Not all bass comes from the left or the right channel, you need both.

Pokki is right in the post above though, you might look for a dedicated car audio forum for these types of questions...you just happened to luck out that I have an LS

**JimmyFitz** · 01-18-2008, 10:41 PM

Thanks Jontz. I already had the Crutchfield guys opinion and I was just hoping for a confirmation like yours. I appreciate the advice.

**jontz** · 01-19-2008, 11:01 AM

No problem....glad to be of service!

**JimmyFitz** · 01-20-2008, 12:39 AM

I installed the new head unit today. I used a 5V regulator and Y cable as discussed. Thanks again Jontz. I replaced the Ford factory 6-disc changer that was plagued with stuck disc errors. It had no means for an aux input either so I have been using an FM transmitter for my PC output, a huge compromise. I chose a new Clarion FB275BT Digital Media reciever

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-glCTaUz...75BB&s=0&cc=01

and two pairs of Polk Audio dB5251
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-glCTaUz...5251&s=0&cc=01

Sounds awesome and supports my Bluetooth phone hands free. Progress!

My touchscreen is currently mounted on a stalk by the console. My next phase is to relocate this new head unit lower in the stack and get my touchscreen mounted in the double DIN bay.

**jontz** · 01-20-2008, 05:52 PM

I believe that this aux in adapter works in your Thunderbird, it's the same one that works in my LS:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...1DFF20&tp=1672

Moot point now since you have a new radio

Good luck on the monitor remount, and glad to hear that you are making progress!

**gecko316** · 01-21-2013, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by JimmyFitz

I installed the new head unit today. I used a 5V regulator and Y cable as discussed. Thanks again Jontz. I replaced the Ford factory 6-disc changer that was plagued with stuck disc errors. It had no means for an aux input either so I have been using an FM transmitter for my PC output, a huge compromise. I chose a new Clarion FB275BT Digital Media reciever

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-glCTaUz...75BB&s=0&cc=01

and two pairs of Polk Audio dB5251
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-glCTaUz...5251&s=0&cc=01

Sounds awesome and supports my Bluetooth phone hands free. Progress!

My touchscreen is currently mounted on a stalk by the console. My next phase is to relocate this new head unit lower in the stack and get my touchscreen mounted in the double DIN bay.

I know this was a long time ago but I need help connecting the original "subs" to a new head unit.
I've replaced the door and rear speakers, but obviously I have no sound from the subs and the bass is disappointing with my new setup.

I had a step by step guide on how to change the head unit and speakers but am lost when it comes to connecting the existing subs or replacing them with an amp and sub

So I use a y-adapter from the stereos line out to connect to the subs? Which wires are these exactly?

Where do I connect the 5v regulator? Is it from the red +12v wire and then to the subs red wires?