Using a line out converter

[tonyt]

I want to install an aftermarket amp without messing with the stock setup. I've been told using a line out converter is a perfect solution. Is there a model that can use the speaker's output signal for "remote on" on the amp? If not, where is the easiest place to hook the "remote on" wire to the ignition?

[henry]

Use a switched power (cigar lighter) socket wire if you need a switched 12V supply.

The stock head unit has a terminal on it for a power antenna. That's the perfect signal wire to turn on an amp.

Short of modifying the head unit itself to create a line level output, a line level converter is the best option. Even the 288 watt Boston Acoustics systems use the speaker terminals on the head unit as inputs to the amp.

Henry

[tonyt]

So you can use a hot wire off the 12V cig. lighter to turn on the amp?

If I were to use the power antenna terminal on the back of the head unit, how hard is it to get to the back of the HU?

[DMAG]

Moved to audio forum.

[MagnumFreak]

So you can use a hot wire off the 12V cig. lighter to turn on the amp?

If I were to use the power antenna terminal on the back of the head unit, how hard is it to get to the back of the HU?

I believe the amp sits just to the left of the steering column. Held in with a couple of screws. Should be easy to get to. I will CHECK for sure when I get home. Will post a picture FROM the service manual.

[shiltz]

So you can use a hot wire off the 12V cig. lighter to turn on the amp?

yup, that's exactly what I use to turn on the amp for my subs, the only downside to that setup is that the amp won't turn off if you turn off the radio while the car is running.

[henry]

That's why you should use the power antenna terminal on the head unit (it is pin A13 on the factory head unit) to turn on aftermarket external amplifiers. This allows the head unit to control the external devices.

The factory 288W amp is turned on via a CAN-Bus signal.

I would only use a switched 12V wire FROM the cigar lighter if I were using an aftermarket head unit that require both the constant 12V battery wire and a switched 12V source.


Henry

[Earcandy]

That is a good idea but some antenna output wires will shut off if you switch to cd or tape etc.

[MagnumFreak]

So you can use a hot wire off the 12V cig. lighter to turn on the amp?

If I were to use the power antenna terminal on the back of the head unit, how hard is it to get to the back of the HU?

I believe the amp sits just to the left of the steering column. Held in with a couple of screws. Should be easy to get to. I will CHECK for sure when I get home. Will post a picture FROM the service manual.

The amplifier is just to the left of the steering column underneath the instrument cluster. Just remove the cover remove three screws and unplug the amp. Make sure to disconnect the power at the battery first.

[tonyt]

What about using the ignition line that is in the wiring harness or taping in the fuse? How hard is it to get at the head unit? Is there any directions for pulling it out to get at the wiring harness?

I heard FROM somebody that using the power antenna line will cut the amp off if you swith to Sat or CD. Is this true in the case of the Magnums?

[henry]

Possible but unlikely.

It's worth a try. All it takes is a voltmeter and ten minutes to answer that question.

[300 on 22s]

there is no switched cig lighter on this car there constant i try to use it but it stays on!!!

[tonyt]

Actually the cig lighter below the radio is switched. I ended up using that. Everything is working great.

[BrilliantBlackHemi]

And the console outlet can be switched if you move the fuse in the trunk fuse box to the alternate position.

[300 on 22s]

my cig lighter below the radio is a constant it stays on when the car is off where do i hae to move the fuse to make it a switched and what fuse do i move??? help please