Dykstrajl

I just ordered a Kenwood KSC-SW11 for my 2012 f150 and want to know if I actually need to run a cable for power directly to the battery? Keeping the stock head unit and totally understand how to tap the rear speakers since there are no RCA's on the head unit. I am trying to figure out if I can just use a fuse tap to avoid needing to blow through the firewall to get to the battery. Just seems like it would be easier to tap a fuse. If this is possible does anyone have a suggestion on fuse to tap? Here is the link to the manual for the sub if that helps. https://content.abt.com/documents/48...C-SW11(EN).pdf

Wyo11Scab

iTrader: (1)

It would be easier but not the correct way. You should feed a wire to the battery. It really is quite easy to do. A fuse box tap would not provide the amps you need and would reduce performance of the sub.

Dykstrajl

Thanks. That's what I figured. Just got a quote from a local audio installer for $300! That's nuts. I know what I'm doing next week I guess. Is there a good spot to feed the power cable through the firewall? Also, what should I tap to make sure it's not constantly drawing power from the battery?

Tallyman89

I ran my power wire from the battery through a firewall grommet on the passenger side. Some have gone through the drivers side. There should be a remote turn on for the sub amp. The amp only comes on when the remote sends a signal -> not always drawing power from the battery. You can us an add-a-circuit on fuse #38, I believe it is, for this remote power on. So you will need to run a power wire and remote wire from the front to the sub amp. You will also need to get a audio signal to the amp. Can do this by tapping speaker wires.

Looking at your manual, blu/wht is the remote power on, yellow is power from the battery, black is ground

Wyo11Scab

iTrader: (1)

Do what Tally said. There is a firewall grommet on the battery side with a nipple on it. Slice the nipple and stick the wire in. You will find it coming out under the glove box. You need an in-line fuse by the battery. If you get an amp wiring kit it will have what you need

_MacLeod_

Yeah running a power wire straight to the battery is the best way by far not to mention safest. Also make sure you fuse that power wire within 18" of the battery that way if the wire shorts or arcs our whatever, itll pop and wont burn your truck to the ground. Dont laugh, its happened a whole lot more than you think.

Youll probably need a remote lead to turn the amp on. It may have a current sensing option to where itll detect the signal coming through the speaker wires and thatll turn it on. If not, wiring into a fuse that is powered on with the ignition is ok to do as you you dont need a lot of power for this, just a little 12V signal to turn the amp on.

Dykstrajl

Awesome. Thanks for the help everyone. Power will get run to the battery, remote power on to fuse 38. Is that fuse in the cabin or engine compartment?

Dykstrajl

Is this the correct item to use to tapping a fuse?

Tallyman89

Pull a fuse to make sure the type needed. But that basically what you need.

Dykstrajl

Thanks