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I’ve searched around this site and couldn’t find a clear write-up with all the information needed in one place, so here it is: how to install a kicker hideaway sub in your 2015+ F-150. This process will use an OEM connector tied into the Kicker harness to create a plug-and-play sound upgrade for your truck. I’ve seen a few posts that this will work with other powered subwoofers.
Things you’ll need:
-Kicker Hideaway Sub (I’m using the 11HS8 model) or similar powered subwoofer.
-Motorcraft WPT1212 Connector Harness (You can find these on amazon. I ordered mine from RockAuto as it was a couple bucks cheaper).
-Wire Connectors (crimp caps, solder, heat shrink, etc). I prefer soldering when you can.
-Computer with Forscan (and a OBDII connector)
Step 1: Making sure you have the connector in the truck. Peel the weather-stripping back on the rear drivers side and look between the trim and truck body. You should see a grey connector. It’s also recommended you check to see if you the space behind the seat to fit the sub at this point.
Step 2: Wiring the WPT1212 and the Kicker harness together. Thanks to member NCRedneck for the wiring information:
With the WPT1212 connector facing away from you and wires facing towards you the connections are as followed:
-Top left black is positive + (Orange/red on factory side)
-Top far right is ground (Black/violet on factory side)
-Bottom left is remote turn on (Brown on factory side)
-Bottom 2nd from the left is speaker + (Violet on factory side)
-Bottom 3rd from the left is speaker – (green on factory side)
All other wires are not needed. The Kicker harness has left and right speaker connections. Wire both the left and right together and then match to correct WPT1212 harness wires (violet and green).
Step 3: Mounting the Kicker Hideaway. The subwoofer comes with 2 straps and a few screws with washers. Mount the straps in the correct orientation and then insert your hideaway. (I mounted mine upsidedown to get the wiring the way I wanted)
Step 4: Enabling the Subwoofer in Forscan. In order to get the subwoofer working, you will need to enable the option in Forscan. Set the ACM to “auxillary subwoofer” and “Supercab 7 speaker with Kicker audio”. You should now have a working subwoofer!
Step 5: Mounting the Kicker Bass ****. This is an optional step. It’s not needed. The bass **** fits perfectly in the factory trailer brake location. Run the wire to the location and you're set.
Thank you very much for this! I appreciate the step by step instructions. I've seen several threads with bits of information, and usually flooded with questions, but this really brings it all together!
What are you thoughts on the Kicker hideaway unit? Looks great!
Thank you very much for this! I appreciate the step by step instructions. I've seen several threads with bits of information, and usually flooded with questions, but this really brings it all together!
What are you thoughts on the Kicker hideaway unit? Looks great!
Absolutely! I had to piece together the information so it made sense to make a how-to. For how incredibly easy it is to install, the outcome is great! Adds just the right amount of bass the factory system was missing.
Absolutely! I had to piece together the information so it made sense to make a how-to. For how incredibly easy it is to install, the outcome is great! Adds just the right amount of bass the factory system was missing.
Great to hear as that's exactly what I'm looking for! I like where you mounted the bass **** as well, looks right at home there.
Nice write up OP. I do have one question for you; did you just try enabling AUX sub and leaving at that? I've read in a few other threads that setting it to 7 speaker actually makes the sound worse. I tried it as such and too felt that it didn't sound as good vs default. Your thoughts?
Nice write up OP. I do have one question for you; did you just try enabling AUX sub and leaving at that? I've read in a few other threads that setting it to 7 speaker actually makes the sound worse. I tried it as such and too felt that it didn't sound as good vs default. Your thoughts?
I'm curious on this one as well.
I'm adding a small amp and subwoofer this evening, if all goes as planned, I guess I'll have to try out both settings once I get everything installed. You're saying yours sounded better with the "Kicker/Subwoofer Selection" value reading: 5-Incorrect value or not configured?
I'm adding a small amp and subwoofer this evening, if all goes as planned, I guess I'll have to try out both settings once I get everything installed. You're saying yours sounded better with the "Kicker/Subwoofer Selection" value reading: 5-Incorrect value or not configured?
Yeah just not configured according to several other threads I found. Did you give it a shot?
08-15-2018, 07:31 PM
How To Install Kicker Hideaway (Plug-and-Play)
