Hooking up a subwoofer if using a stock deck

[jaimie08mazda3]

since i did this for the mazdaforum i may as well do this for TM3 so that people know how to do this... if MOD's can Sticky this pleease
Seeing as how we have had this question a few times, and that I no longer wanna go through the whole process over and over again, I've decided to give you all instructions on how to do it. Its a process that will take about 1-2 hours depending on how well you want it all to work. I'd advise you to take your time while doing this otherwise it will not work. Okay first you will need the subwoofer, amplifier, wiring kit, extra wiring just in case, and a Line Output Converter (which you can buy at Canadian tire or Future shop or any store that sells car audio equipment.

Now, you will want a philip's screw driver, a crimper, a stripper (not the one you find at a bar), and cutter's. with the screw driver you will first take off the two screws on both sides of the rear doors so that you can take off the whole door panel. Once you have removed the rear door panels you will see two wires from the speaker that will be white and purple and white and pink I believe. You will cut those wires and strip them, now make sure you remember which is positive and which is negative, because not only will your subwoofer not work, but neither will your speaker. Then after all of that you will take the wiring and connect the positive to positive with the speaker wire and same with the negative. Then you will crimp the wires together so that it doesn't get loose when you open and close the door (this happened to me so make sure you do this). Then you will make sure that the wires are lined up to go to the back. make sure you tuck the wires in so nobody can trip on them while getting into your 3. Then once you have done this you will get the LOC (line out converter) and take the wires out. Make sure you attach them to positive-positive, negative-negative as well. Then that is setup. That is one of the trickiest parts to this setup.

Now you will have to setup the power wire and the Remote wire. For the power wire it is pretty basic. From the trunk you will bring your power wire all the way down the passenger side into the engine bay, there is an opening behind the glove box you can bring it through. Once your done that get cut the wire and strip it both ways so that you can put the fuse inside it so that your amp does not fry in the event of a wire getting lose and creating sparks. You will put both the stripped ends of the wiring into the fuse box and tighten it up so it does not go anywhere. After doing this you should either screw it to the firewall or zip tie the wires to the plastic tube at the back of the engine in front of the firewall. Then you will have to disconnect your positive connection to the battery in order to put the power wire connector onto the battery. Make sure that your power wire is not connected to the amp but is stripped. Then place it in the terminal of the positive battery connector and then re-attach the positive connection to the battery.

Now comes the Remote wire. For this i used the cigarette lighter fuse and it works well. You once again will have to bring this up the passenger side as the fuse is underneath the glove box. Take the fuse box cover and look on the map of where all the fuses are and find the one that has the cigarette lighter. Take it out, then wrap the remote wire around the fuse *strip it before you do it* and put the fuse back in. Now we are almost done.

The last step before you set it all up is the ground wire. I used my jack stand as a ground wire and it works really well. Get the ground wire connector piece and put it through the jack stand screw. *take off the jack stand and put it where the spare tire is* Then you screw it on completely and this will be a good ground connection. Now what you do is connect everything up, the LOC will have RCA's so you connect the RCA wire's to the LOC and then to the amp as well. Also with certain LOC's you can change the volume and setting to set how much bass you want. After you have hooked everything up with the right places they are supposed to go, hook up the amp to the subwoofer and you are ready to go. Put back the rear door panel's *by the way make sure you use both rear speakers otherwise it will not work*. then test it out yourself. there are settings on amp's and the LOC so set it to how you like and enjoy.
Jaimie08mazda3

[Hives]

ahhh, my eyes! lollll

Good write up =)

[Thrizzl3]

ahhh cmon mannnnn wheres the pics...:chuckle some people might be illiterate lol jk

[Soyabean]

ahhh cmon mannnnn wheres the pics...:chuckle some people might be illiterate lol jk

LIKE MEEE

:ttiwwp

lol. Good job

[jaimie08mazda3]

that took me about half an hour to write upp... IF YOU WANT I WILL TAKE PICTURES... jeeez

[JordanAndrew]

Yes a step by step picture process would be awesome!! I am planning in doing this during the spring/summer time or whenever it gets warmer outside. This will save me a few bucks and at the same time I can learn a few more things about my car so I'm excited to do this. I'm looking forward with your step by step instructions. Thanks again!

[stormin84]

LIKE MEEE

:ttiwwp

lol. Good job


+1

[kevcol74]

Nice write up Jaimie! I did the same with my Crapalier, but was easier as the rear speakers were up on the rear package tray... A couple things I might suggest:
1. Solder your connections for a more permanent and reliable connection (as opposed to crimps)
2. Tap into the cigarette lighter wire, not directly onto the fuse. Wrapping a wire on the fuse (although I am guilty of having done it in the past!) can be a pain, and not as reliable.

Other than that, thats exactly the same way I did mine! Making sure to run my power cables on the opposite side of the factory wiring loom under the carpet. This lessons the chance for interference noise in the stereo.(that annoying hum...)

[Pimpin_29y]

since i did this for the mazdaforum i may as well do this for TM3 so that people know how to do this... if MOD's can Sticky this pleease
Seeing as how we have had this question a few times, and that I no longer wanna go through the whole process over and over again, I've decided to give you all instructions on how to do it.

A tad long but a great write up! However I don't think it's "Sticky" worthy yet without pics...whats done is done and I won't change it. I am sure everyone appreciates your efforts.

I've never seen a how to thats in the essay format though. :)

[skunk2]

you forgot to disconnect the (-) battery terminal before you started.
i still find that it's easier to wire up a loc from behind the deck.
also if you are going to tap a fuse for the remote wire, pick a terminal designed for that purpose....i can't remember what it's called right now. if you just wrap the wire around the fuse and jam it back in it expands the slot too much and can cause loose connections over time.

[jaimie08mazda3]

for what i did i installed the LOC in the perfect spot so i could use it when i needed to. and i took out my subs and wiring due to the last few days of what happened but very soon i will take pictures and can make a step by step when i install it again. PITA but whatever. I also will be changing my setup soon... once gabgenier decides to give me those 2 10"s then my car will blow up ahaha. but yea pics soon.

[Dante]

For now im using the stock deck temporarily since my deck blew.. Basically

Ive got a converter for the subs. Couldnt i just wire this to the back where the deck is using the stock wires instead of leeching from the doors? I was wondering where my remote would be.. so i know that now. thanks.

[jaimie08mazda3]

you can do that dante but it will create problems and you gotta figure out which wires they are.. plus the doors arent that difficult. and the remote wire use the cigarette lighter fuse. which is what i used.

[Dante]

what problems we talking about here LOL

[jaimie08mazda3]

many. if it touches soemthing it can cause a spark and may fry something as i have been told.the rear speakers are the best places to do it because it is the only thing there.. and its not that hard to cover the wires from there. if you want ill come and help you out with it.. its not at all hard just a pain in the ass at times especially with how small the wires can be lol

[shootemup]

No pictures yet? lol... Jaime, feel free to come on over and help me setup mine and we can take pictures! I'll supply the Timmies!

[jaimie08mazda3]

UPDATE!!!!!!!! so on sunday hondaciviceg is getting his system done and as while I am doing this I plan on taking pictures on the step by step process on how to do it. It should go very well and i am very excited about this.. something hands on before i leave on my adventure.. they should be up by sunday night monday morning area.

[klym]

UPDATE!!!!!!!! so on sunday hondaciviceg is getting his system done and as while I am doing this I plan on taking pictures on the step by step process on how to do it. It should go very well and i am very excited about this.. something hands on before i leave on my adventure.. they should be up by sunday night monday morning area.

Nice I am really looking forward to this... I have a sub and two amps waiting to go into my car :)

[pastrol]

I seriously think Jamie is out of his mind

[jaimie08mazda3]

Why am I out of my mind? Do you know me.. have you ever done this before?

[Thrizzl3]

ok so wheres the pics?

[jaimie08mazda3]

on my grandma's camera... at home HA lol

[klym]

on my grandma's camera... at home HA lol

Can your grandma upload them ;) hahahah

[Whosit]

One suggestion.... If you plan on keeping your stock deck... I would not use a LOC but rather a Re-Q. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-eVBa94Gcjfw/p_236REQ/MTX-re-Q.html

The problem with a stock deck is that as you increase the volume the bass signal decreases to protect your stock speakers. The Re-Q corrects this issue and also gives you a proper remote turn on. Now the are alot more money wise but worth it if your long term plans are to keep your stock deck.

[OhAxela]

any pictures of this setup yet lol, its been months

[jaimie08mazda3]

Lol I am on Katimavik.

[mok]

I NEED TO DO THIS IN A MONTH. it would be awesome if we can get the pics.
THanks!!

[airbiggz]

I NEED TO DO THIS IN A MONTH. it would be awesome if we can get the pics.
THanks!!
I had this done by one of my electrical buddies and honestly i felt like a complete idiot watching him how fast an straight forward it is lol took approx 30-45 min
cuz how easy it is if i wasnt lazy i woulda attempted it myself, it is really important tho that u buy the right size wiring and get everything u need in the audio kit, which is HIGHLY reccomendible to purchase. only tricky part is on my car i have a stock dock so my buddy had to CARFULLY take it out and run the wire thru it, other wise aftermarket decks are alot easier
if you can understand how and where power needs to travel you set
if you know or and see how pannels come out ( stock or aftermarket decks) your set
and if you know how to bumb some good BASS then ur also set,,,but if u dont wanna go thru this hassel, i would say try best buy to install there guys will do it in about an hour great service

[jaimie08mazda3]

Exactly. I like the fact on how easy it is. If you take your time and do it properly you will have not too many issues. When I installed HondacivicEG's subs... his gas lid kept on popping open lol. But it hit hard. Soon once my car is back on the road I will be installing it again.

[Dro]

hello everyone how do u hook up a amps and ur subs to ur stock deck can i get some info please and thank you

[jaimie08mazda3]

Read the first page :D

[Madubs]

I pulled out the head unit last night and spent hours trying to hook up the LOC to the wires and in the end of it still nothing worked, it be awsome to have pictures of someone doing an intallation!

[Default User]

You don't need to pull the stock deck out.

Pull the panel off the lower B-Pillars (below seatbelt) and you'll see the wires there.
IIRC - Rear Passenger side is White (+) and Gray (-) and Rear Drivers side is Violet/White (+) and Grey/White (-)
Tap into those wires and bring them to the back where you can wire them to the LOC.

To run your power wire - pull off the thin trim strip on the dash. Undo the 2 screws holding your glovebox, and pull out the glove box. You'll see a rats nest of wired leading to a grommet in the firewall. Push about 1.5-2 feet of power wire through there and grab it from the engine bay.

Run you remote wire to the Fuse box - strip and wrap around the Cigarette Lighter fuse.

Your ground wire can bolt down to the chassis. I used the seatbelt anchoe bolt. Make sure you get solid metal-to-metal contact.

[Default User]

You don't need to pull the stock deck out.

Pull the panel off the lower B-Pillars (below seatbelt) and you'll see the wires there.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5094820075_083849f156.jpg

IIRC - Rear Passenger side is White (+) and Gray (-) and Rear Drivers side is Violet/White (+) and Grey/White (-)
Tap into those wires and bring them to the back where you can wire them to the LOC.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5094821289_e9f27fbdf5.jpg


To run your power wire - pull off the thin trim strip on the dash. Undo the 2 screws holding your glovebox, and pull out the glove box. You'll see a rats nest of wired leading to a grommet in the firewall. Push about 1.5-2 feet of power wire through there and grab it from the engine bay.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5095420854_8380d1a588.jpg

Run you remote wire to the Fuse box - strip and wrap around the Cigarette Lighter fuse.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5094823337_69b6259671.jpg

Your ground wire can bolt down to the chassis. I used the seatbelt anchoe bolt. Make sure you get solid metal-to-metal contact


*****Finally added the pictures

[jaimie08mazda3]

Thank you lol. Should have taken more pics while I installed them again haha.

[Default User]

Thank you lol. Should have taken more pics while I installed them again haha.

no problem - but my phone was dirty oily as hell after taking pics while installing.
Its all good though - whatever I can do to help a TM3er.

[cwp_sedan]

Take the time and do it right. Wrapping the wires around a fuse is such a hack job. That's just one complaint I have about this install. Just my $.02 though.

[thanu31]

hey
so i hooked up an alpine type r to the stock deck but something is not right.

I connected the LOC to the back of the deck, to the correct wires, (white, purple/white, grey, grey/white).

So first, the sub wasn't pounding, then I was playing around with the wires, and took out one RCA on the LOC, and the sub started pounding. I put both RCAs back in and it stops pounding. :S

So right now the LOC is connected to one RCA, still not pounding as hard as I heard Type R's pound, but its pounding. But i know something is messed up.

Anyone know what the problem might be?

[theo575]

Had a similar issue, could be due to tapping into incorrect wires. One side is giving a signal the other isn't to test it use a splitter from the side that works and plug your sub into that. If it starts going then you've hit the money.

[Default User]

hey
so i hooked up an alpine type r to the stock deck but something is not right.

I connected the LOC to the back of the deck, to the correct wires, (white, purple/white, grey, grey/white).

So first, the sub wasn't pounding, then I was playing around with the wires, and took out one RCA on the LOC, and the sub started pounding. I put both RCAs back in and it stops pounding. :S

So right now the LOC is connected to one RCA, still not pounding as hard as I heard Type R's pound, but its pounding. But i know something is messed up.

Anyone know what the problem might be?

you sure you got the L+R RCA's right?
or maybe the one of the input wires came loose

[Bosshammy]

this was my first, indepth mod, went well loc is placed behind the deck and everythings working great, tapping nito the wires was a pain. good install , never wired to the cig litghter fuse.. is that just for the remote?

[Default User]

this was my first, indepth mod, went well loc is placed behind the deck and everythings working great, tapping nito the wires was a pain. good install , never wired to the cig litghter fuse.. is that just for the remote?

the remote wire is so that the amp turns on/off when the key is turned.
Otherwise - it will stay on constantly with battery power.

[Bosshammy]

the remote wire is so that the amp turns on/off when the key is turned.
Otherwise - it will stay on constantly with battery power.

wired remote to the harness ( yellow w/silver dots ) works great no issues.

[cwp_sedan]

wired remote to the harness ( yellow w/silver dots ) works great no issues.

:thumbsup

This is where it should be wired to. IMO too many people tap the cig lighter for EVERYTHING.

[djsebzilla]

True, but it's easy as hell to tap in this

[zoomahh]

I think I'm staying on topic with this;
Does ANYONE have a wire schematic for the 2012 GS sedan oem headunit, and if not....is there anywhere I can get this diagram? Ie wire colors, blah blah blah?
I plan on installing my speakers and amp soon and that's one piece of the puzzle I haven't gotten yet :/

[yearoftherat]

I think I'm staying on topic with this;
Does ANYONE have a wire schematic for the 2012 GS sedan oem headunit, and if not....is there anywhere I can get this diagram? Ie wire colors, blah blah blah?
I plan on installing my speakers and amp soon and that's one piece of the puzzle I haven't gotten yet :/

This should help:

http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2010-mazdaspeed-3-how-guides/1767-amp-sub-install-factory-radio-loc.html

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=145935.0

[zoomahh]

@ yotr
Thanks for the links dude :thumbsup after reading up on it, I'm like WOW it's so much easier to get at the deck than my 07 sedan was :bana

[Pokaroo Kris]

Great read jaimie. I have another question though. Is there a way to hook up a sub set to your stock deck with sacrificing the rear speakers?

[Default User]

You're not sacrificing the rear speakers.
Simply tapping (splitting) into the signal.

[Pokaroo Kris]

Oh ok. Sweet. Thanks.

[Simon99]

Are you guys sure about these colors ? Because I tapped them and it doesnt work :(

[Default User]

Colours were accurate on my 2005 non Bose