How do you connect the remote turn-on wire for an amplifier or a powered subwoofer?

1 What is the remote turn-on wire?

The remote turn-on wire is a thin wire that runs from the head unit to the amplifier or the powered subwoofer. It carries a low-voltage signal that switches the amp or the sub on and off with the head unit. The remote turn-on wire is usually blue or blue with a white stripe, but it may vary depending on the manufacturer. You can check the wiring diagram of your head unit and your amp or sub to identify the remote turn-on wire.

3 How to connect the remote turn-on wire?

Once you have found the remote turn-on wire, you need to connect it to the amp or the sub. The easiest way to do this is to use a T-tap connector, which is a plastic clip that splices into the wire without cutting it. You can also use a wire stripper and a butt connector, which is a metal tube that crimps two wires together. Either way, you need to attach a length of wire from the remote turn-on wire to the terminal on the amp or the sub that is labeled REM or REMOTE. Make sure you secure the connection with electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing.

4 How to test the remote turn-on wire?

After you have connected the remote turn-on wire, you need to test it to make sure it works properly. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and turn on the head unit. The amp or the sub should also turn on and produce sound. Turn off the head unit and see if the amp or the sub also turns off. If everything works as expected, you have successfully connected the remote turn-on wire. If not, you may have a faulty wire, a bad connection, or a different problem. You can troubleshoot by checking the wiring diagram, the fuse, and the ground wire.

5 Tips and warnings

Connecting the remote turn-on wire is not a difficult task, but it requires some caution and care. Make sure to not confuse the remote turn-on wire with the power wire or the antenna wire, as connecting the wrong wire can cause a short circuit or damage your equipment. Additionally, do not use a wire that is too thin or too long for the remote turn-on wire. A thin wire can overheat or break, while a long wire can cause voltage drop or interference. The wire should be at least 18 gauge and as short as possible. Moreover, do not run the remote turn-on wire near any power wires, speaker wires, or other sources of noise; this can cause humming, buzzing, or distortion in your sound. Run the remote turn-on wire along a separate path from the other wires and use cable ties or clips to secure it.