CarPC with factory amp?

its4show · 07-22-2008, 10:22 AM

Alright, I have been searching around but I can't seem to find out how to hook the PC up to my factory amp when I take out the head unit. It is a new Civic Si with a factory sub. I am trying to get away without buying a new amp since there is only 1k miles on it.

HiJackZX1 · 07-22-2008, 01:04 PM

It should be similar to a normal amp and have a remote lead from the head unit to the factory amp. Once you find that lead you use a software called AMP_CTRL or VOLUME_AMP_CTRL. I then bought a device called a PAC TR-4. Its a small device that sends a amplified signal to the remote lead to ensure it turns on.... You then connect the other end of this device to pin #4 on your serial port. 2 other wires also come out of the TR-4, one goes to Ground and the other to a 12V source. Everytime you turn on the car, the TR-4 will wait for a signal from the serial port then turn on once the Amp_CTRL turns on pin #4 on the serial port.

Have you tried locating the AMP and looking at it? It should say what is what. The connections should be 12V+, Ground, RMT (Remote wire), and audio ports. Once you locate the lead wire (RMT) just find that same wire were the head unit is.

dhantiflag · 07-22-2008, 01:08 PM

i have a 2008 civic SI and i used the factory amp... give me a bit and ill get some information for you (im at work currently)

dhantiflag · 07-22-2008, 01:22 PM

Ok First thing... buy yourself a wireharness... trust me.. its better to spend 10 dollars then to have to cut your stock wiring...

with that said. i purchased my harness at local audio store so im sure you might be able to do the same.

if not look online

after that there is 1 wire you will have to cut, because on the back of our radio we have two harness's

we have 1 small plug and 1 large plug. you need the harness for the large plug because that is where all your audio wires are..

however, the small plug has your AMP_REMOTE (light blue) wire on it.

i connected this to the ignition wire off the large plug, so now whenever my car turns on AMP turns on...
i also have my PC connected to this with a switch in the middle.

but once you get the harness, it should tell you what wires are what speaker, hook up to RCA then get a Y adaptor to 1/8 plugs and plug into PC.

if you need more help from there PM me ill gladly help with what i can!

thanks!

also check out www.8thcivic.com my name is ohiocivicracer on there

they have a lot of great information!

edit:
pulled from 8thcivic.com

:Radio Harness
+12V DC Constant White
Switchedd Accessory Violet
Ground Black
Power Antenna Gray
Remote Turn On Light Blue
Illumintation Red/Black or Gray
Left Front + Light Green
Left Front - Pink
Right Front + Gray
Right Front - Brown
Left Rear + Yellow
Left Rear - Brown
Right Rear + Blue
Right Rear - Orange

:Amplifier Outputs
Remote Turn On Light Blue
Left Front Mid + Light Green
Left Front Mid - Pink
Right Front Mid + Gray
Right Front Mid - Brown
Left Rear Mid + Yellow
Left Rear Mid - Brown
Right Rear Mid + Blue
Right Rear Mid - Orange
Subwoofer 1 + Green
Subwoofer 1 - Red

:At Speakers
Left Front Tweeter + Red
Left Front Tweeter - Green
Right Front Tweeter + Pink
Right Front Tweeter - Blue