How do I install an amplifier in the trunk of a 2002 Ford Taurus?
I own a 2002 Ford Taurus, which I already installed an after market radio in. I'd like to install a 4 channel amplifier in the trunk to drive new speakers I also plan on installing.
I understand that I need to run a wire from the battery to the trunk in order to power it, but I am not entirely sure how to get it through the firewall of the car. I have read generalized instructions that say to look for an opening where wires are already coming through, but I can't find any. I have also read about drilling through the firewall and installing a rubber grommet, but I am not entirely sure how to go about doing that because there does not seem theres any good places in the area between the bottom of the dash and the floor.
So basically if anyone here has installed an amp in their Taurus' trunk, I'd like to know how you did it. Or, perhaps there is a website that could give me some ideas?
Tagged with: amp • channel amplifier • firewall • ford • ford taurus • market radio • rubber grommet • speakers
Filed under: Ford Taurus 2000-2007
A majority of the time, you will find that a whole drilled through the firewall and using a grommet is going to be the way to get through with your power wire. You will want to run the wire (and hence, drill the hole) on the same side of the as the battery is on as you ideally want the shortest run from the battery to the amp.
Finding a place to go through takes a small bit of time and a little looking around. In most cases, you will end up drilling on the driver's side and the easiest way to drill will be to come through from the inside of the car. I would highly recommend using a "unibit", or otherwise known as a stepdown bit. The reason is that these bits cut through gradually and enlarge the hole in small increments. You can do the hole with a normal bit but b/c of the typical length of a normal bit, it may be difficult… not to mention the fact that once the bit "grabs" the sheet metal of the firewall, it will pull through quickly if you arent careful. I've seen that happen and result in knicking hoses and wires in the process.
If you can imagine the point at which the steering column runs through the firewall as being the center of a clock, in many instances, the point that you would drill through would be anywhere in the proximity between 8 and 11, in that general range. Just take your time, look at it from both the inside and the engine compartment.
Now, you can sometimes find an opening, usually a rubber grommet that is not being used. Fords are known for having these and if yours does you can usually pop it out easily and cut a small X in the middle with a razor blade or razor knife. This will allow your wire to go through easily. I do not recommend cutting through the steering wheel grommet or going through door jams as this is not only unprofessional and unsightly but also increases the chances of damage occuring to the wire, thus leading to a short.
If the battery is on the passenger side, find a place to run through is a little more tricky than the driver's side but it's not impossible. Usually, you have to go below the heater core box or the AC blower box to go through.
Remember to use a plastic or rubber grommet if you drill through and to use loom under the hood. The loom will look better and will protect the wire against things that possibly could happen (though I havent seen anything occur that a piece of plastic loom would prevent).
Unless someone has a photographic memory, I mean REALLY photographic, any installer will likely tell you that they would have to see the car before they can specifically say where to drill through. And, to find the spot, they would have to do what I just stated. So, try that and run with it. You can do it, it's easy, just take your time with it.
I'm open to emails so if you have any other questions, send an email: fosgate3@yahoo.com
ductape
you don't need one. ITS A FORD TAURUS!
Get hubcaps with spinners instead. And plenty of prophylactics in your glove compartment.
I have done asked this and nobody answered me so i had to go to a audio place and have them put iit in and plus i wouldn't trust half of these answers on here anyway.
Just drill a hole somewhere in the firewall like it says and use the rubber grommet
THIS WEBSITE HELPED ME INSTALL ONE IN MY JEEP!!!
http://www.ehow.com/how_3680_install-car-amplifier.html
There is a few ways that you can do this. Drill a hole in the rubber grommet of the steering column or you can always drill a whole in the firewall itself and pull the wire through or you can pull the grommet back where the steering column is and pull it through there don't worry the wires will not get pinched. Or you can do it kind of the goofy way.. run the wires from the battery over to the drivers side of the car and run it down between the front quarter panel and the inside of the frame and take off your kicker guard on the floor of the car and run it all the way back behind the back seat of the car. This should help.
you run a power wire from the positive terminal on your battery through the firewall to the positive on the amp. then find a metal on metal bolt in the trunk to ground the amp to. if it is a factory stereo you will need to run the speaker wires off of the car's rear speaker wires into the amp then from the same wires run from amp to subs. you may need a "line-out" converter. make sure you positive wire from your battery has a inline fuse to avoid damage to the amp or sub.// a good entry point thru the firewill is where your brake petal comes from or if it is manaul were the clutch comes thru the firewall. ac vents etc. go through any wire harness.