Before you begin running the wires for your car amps you will want to make sure that you have all the necessary tools and wiring and equipment for the installation of your car amps. Then you will want to make a plan for how you plan to route your wires making a note of any components or parts that might get in the way. The first wire I like to run is the power wire. This is usually the most difficult since you are usually running the wire from under the hood through the firewall and inside to the car amps. Some cars such s BMW’s and Mercedes Benz have the battery’s in the trunk, usually making for a fast install of the power wire if you are installing your car amps in the trunk. Always make sure to disconnect the battery before starting any installation!
You will want to make sure you run the power wire on one side of the car and on the other side of the car run the patch cables or RCA cables. This will help prevent any engine noise from entering the system. Most RCA cables are shielded and prevent engine noise from entering into the system, but it is still a good idea if possible to run them on the opposite side. Now I usually will run the power wire on the side of the car the battery is on if possible as this will help me use the least amount of power wire to the car amps.
Now you will want to run the power wire from the battery through the fire wall making sure you keep the wire away from any moving parts or components. When running the wire through the firewall I first look for a pre drilled hole that simply does not have any wires going through it. If none of these are present you will need to drill a hole. Make sure you know exactly what is on the other side before drilling. It is a good idea to use zip ties when running the wire through the engine compartment to make sure the wire stays secure. Wait until after you have everything hooked up and your car amps tested and working before you do this though.
You want to make sure that when running power wire through the firewall (from the engine compartment to the inside of the car) that you properly seal the hole you went through. This can usually be done with a rubber or plastic grommet. Failing to do this can create more noise on the inside of your vehicle and possibly let water into the inside of your car.
You will want to run all the wires to your car amps underneath the panels and carpet for safety and it will also give your system a pro installed look, so after the wire is in the car you will want to remove the kick panels and entry plates or scuff guards and run the wire under the carpet and to the place where the car amps are to be installed. A panel remover will come in handy when removing some of the interior panels and will help not to damage any parts. Use plastic instruments when prying off plastic panels as a metal screw driver will bend and chew up the panels being removed.
Remember when installing your car amps never force a panel off, never just pull on a panel unless you know what is holding it on as replacement parts can be very expensive, and you don’t want to install your new stereo just to not have a glove box anymore because it broke. When in doubt do some research on the internet for your specific car.